The U.S. and European Union are spearheading a global initiative to reduce methane emissions by 30% by 2030, and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association says it’s ready to contribute to the efforts.
Ranchers across the U.S. are willing to do their part – so long as it’s a voluntary effort, NCBA said Friday.
“To achieve this goal, the administration will need the voluntary participation, scientific research and practical knowledge of U.S. cattle producers,” NCBA said in a statement. “The industry stands ready to continue leading the American agricultural community – and the rest of the world – on responsible resource management.”
The NCBA statement came out shortly after U.S. President Joe Biden and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed the methane-reduction goal and efforts to get nations from around the globe to join the “Global Methane Pledge.”
“This will not only rapidly reduce the rate of global warming, but it will also produce a very valuable side benefit, like improving public health and agricultural output,” Biden said during a G20 meeting Friday. “We’re … mobilizing support to help developing countries that join and pledge to do something significant …”
And von der Leyen says the European Union has been planning for some time to enact a global methane-reduction campaign.
“With our European Green Deal and EU Methane Strategy, we are ready to lead the way with domestic and international action,” she said in a statement provided by the European Commission. “We are also investing in ensuring a proper global monitoring system through the International Methane Emissions Observatory.”
The European Commission launched its Methane Strategy a year ago and plans to use a system of satellites to detect “super-emitters.”
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“The strategy also plans to deliver more effective methane mitigation measures across key emitting sectors through activities like creating a market for biogas and reducing emissions in agriculture; improving leak detection and repair, and future legislation on flaring and venting in the oil and gas sector; and by reviewing landfill, urban wastewater treatment, and sewage sludge directives,” says the UN-affiliated Climate and Clean Air Coalition.
Cattle, which emit methane when they digest food, are just one part of the equation when it comes to methane emission, and NCBA says its ranchers are already doing their part.
"We are proud of the U.S. cattle industry's track record of continual innovation to improve environmental outcomes, and we are committed to writing the next chapter in that history of stewardship with the voluntary, industry-led goal of demonstrating climate neutrality by 2040," said NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane. "We’ve engaged with the Biden administration since day one to ensure the U.S. cattle industry is recognized for our strong record of environmental stewardship and that our voice, and our priorities, are heard loud and clear.”
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