Abstract
Global livestock supply chains have significantly altered nitrogen (N) flows over past years, thereby threatening environmental
and human health. Here, we provide a disaggregated assessment of the livestock sector’s impacts on global N flows and emissions, including international trade. The results show that the sector currently emits 65 Tg N yr−1
, equivalent to one-third of current human-induced N emissions and sufficient to meet the planetary boundary for N. Of that amount, 66% is allocated to Asia
and 68% is associated with feed production. Most emissions originate from locally produced animal-sourced food, although
N emissions embedded in international trade are significant for some importing countries. Given the magnitude of its impacts
and its central role in both domestic and international N challenges, the livestock sector urgently requires a global initiative to
tackle N pollution while supporting food security.
and human health. Here, we provide a disaggregated assessment of the livestock sector’s impacts on global N flows and emissions, including international trade. The results show that the sector currently emits 65 Tg N yr−1
, equivalent to one-third of current human-induced N emissions and sufficient to meet the planetary boundary for N. Of that amount, 66% is allocated to Asia
and 68% is associated with feed production. Most emissions originate from locally produced animal-sourced food, although
N emissions embedded in international trade are significant for some importing countries. Given the magnitude of its impacts
and its central role in both domestic and international N challenges, the livestock sector urgently requires a global initiative to
tackle N pollution while supporting food security.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 437-446 |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| Journal | Nature Food |
| Volume | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 6 Jul 2020 |