By Camille Murray

Dr. Frank Mitloehner spoke to Ash Sweeting on the Ash Cloud Podcast, discussing the changing conversation about methane, the role of farmers in the climate solution, and the challenges and opportunities around research in methane mitigation.

From a Problem to a Solution

The conversation about methane has changed from the mainstream media portraying farmers as a problem to showcasing the important role they play as part of a climate solution. Methane differs from other greenhouse gases due to its short lifespan. After about 12 years, methane is naturally destroyed in our atmosphere. If the amount of methane gas being emitted is equivalent to the amount being destroyed, then no additional warming will take place. If we can reduce our methane output, we can reduce our warming impact. Reducing methane emissions begins on the farm, making farmers key players in our efforts to reduce climate impact of livestock production.

Funding for Research

Funding for research poses a challenge to methane mitigation efforts. Research into methane mitigation technologies is needed in order to minimize the environmental impact of animal agriculture, yet industry funded research in animal agriculture is both scarce and often scrutinized. Public funding is even scarcer. If reducing methane emissions from the industry is important to the public, then funding for research is needed. 

Call to Action - Everyone’s Role in the Climate Solution

Methane mitigation is a communal effort. Collaboration among researchers, farmers, and the public is essential to support methane mitigation efforts. The application of research technologies requires that researchers work with farmers to help the industry adopt a toolkit of solutions that can help produce food more sustainably. Funding is needed from private and public sources to support research on methane mitigation. Communication about emissions reduction efforts keeps the public educated and involved. The CLEAR Center works to communicate research about animal agriculture and its climate impact in a comprehensible way. 

You can listen to the podcast here.