Burping livestock are a big problem for our planet. When cows and other ruminants eat, their food ferments in their gut and produces methane, which contributes to global warming.

Every year almost 600 million tonnes of methane are emitted in the atmosphere. Of these, about 60 percent originates from human activities. Agriculture contributes to nearly half of the global anthropogenic methane production, followed by fossil fuels and waste. The livestock sector is one of the greatest contributors of methane emissions, mainly produced through the natural digestive process of ruminants known as “enteric fermentation” and manure management practices. Methane is a highly potent greenhouse gas that increases global temperature. To limit global warming by 2030, countries should reduce methane emissions, particularly from livestock, by 30 percent. FAO supports countries to mitigate methane emissions from livestock as part of their climate actions, while improving food security and livelihoods.