Reducing Emissions, Not Cows: Regulatory Policies to Mitigate Methane
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2022
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Abstract
Enteric fermentation is a process that occurs in ruminant animals, such as cattle, during the digestive process. Methane gas is a by-product of enteric fermentation, expelled when cattle exhale or belch. Methane gas is ~28-34 times more potent than carbon dioxide, and with its short lifespan, can provide an effective short-term way to prevent additional warming. Enteric fermentation causes 43% of Canada’s agricultural methane emissions; however, there are no policies in place to regulate these emissions. Here we show that market-based instruments can encourage farmers to uptake effective mitigation techniques. We conduct a rapid review, analyzing literature to inform mitigation techniques and a jurisdictional scan to examine agricultural policies in other countries. The review of literature reveals two effective mitigation techniques: adding Asparagopsis taxiformis (red seaweed) to feed and efficiency breeding/genetic selection. The jurisdictional scan reveals that market-based instruments, specifically subsidies and offset protocols, are a widely used tool to mitigate methane from enteric fermentation. Our results demonstrate that Canada has regulatory options available to reduce methane from enteric fermentation. This paper recommends Canada create offset protocols within its new offset system that incentivize the uptake of Asparagopsis taxiformis as a feed additive and efficiency breeding/genetic selection.
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Jachimozicz, J. (2022) Reducing Emissions, Not Cows: Regulatory Policies to Mitigate Methane (Unpublished master's project). University of Calgary, Calgary, AB.