Skip to main content

Cows have the potential to be similarly harmful to the environment as cars. Ridiculous, right? Sure, cows and other livestock don’t produce anywhere near the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions that gas-powered cars do. However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that livestock account for the majority of methane (CH4) GHG emissions, a far more potent warming agent. 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that cows and livestock account for most of the GHG emissions in America from methane (CH4), a more potent warming agent than CO2

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are a major factor in climate change and a sobering reminder of humanity’s impact on this planet. Hell, many academics consider the age we live in to be an entirely new epoch, appropriately named the “Anthropocene” after the human (anthro) impact. Unsurprisingly, much of the contemporary impact is transportation, more specifically cars, trucks, SUVs, and other vehicles spewing carbon dioxide (CO2).

And a sizable portion of total GHG emissions it is. According to the EPA, CO2  accounts for nearly 80% of total harmful emissions. Of that commanding 80% share, the transportation sector makes up 35%, followed closely by power production at 30%. Enough said, right? I mean, cars are bad and that’s it? Well, not quite. 

The EPA reports that the agricultural sector, more specifically livestock cultivation, is “the largest source of CH4 emissions in the United States.” Mind you, CH4  accounts for just 11.1% of harmful GHGs. However, methane is upwards of 80% more effective at warming the planet than carbon dioxide. More methane, more human-driven impact on climate change. Get it?

This isn’t new information, either. In 2006, the United Nations (UN) put together a climate and environment report detailing the harmful environmental impacts of rearing cattle. In the report, a then-senior official at the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) asserted that “Livestock are one of the most significant contributors to today’s most serious environmental problems.” 

According to the UN report, raising cattle and other livestock produced a greater number of GHG emissions than driving cars. At least, it was in 2006. That said, the report also highlighted the other environmental issues with livestock, namely land and water degradation. 

Don’t get me wrong, I love a well-executed steak and a good libation pairing. But if it’s down to my beef or my keys, I’ll subsist on petrol-powered passions. As I suspect many of you will.

Source: EPA, UN News

Best in Tips, Tricks & Trends
Avatar photo
Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).