Livestock emissions now dwarf transport in Wiltshire, campaigners warn

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 06:00 · Archive

Livestock has become the largest source of greenhouse gases in Wiltshire as transport emissions fall, climate campaigners say.

Climate campaigners have warned that livestock is now overtaking cars as the largest source of greenhouse gases in Wiltshire. The Wiltshire Climate Alliance said emissions from cattle, sheep and their manure were becoming an increasingly important part of the county's carbon footprint as emissions from transport and housing fall.

The group pointed out that Wiltshire Council is around two-thirds of the way between declaring a climate emergency in February 2019 and its 2030 net zero target, leaving little time to act. Climate campaigner Andrew Nicolson said the council was failing to tackle the issue. 'It's reached the point where a majority of our greenhouse gas emissions from our territory probably come from livestock, specifically cows and sheep, or from livestock manure,' he said.

Transport emissions are falling as vehicles become more fuel-efficient and petrol and diesel cars are gradually replaced by electric models. This has left livestock methane an increasingly prominent part of Wiltshire's carbon footprint. Mr Nicolson called for dedicated resources and greater engagement with farmers over methane emissions and changes to agriculture and the food system.

Cllr Paul Sample, cabinet member for climate and the environment, resisted calls for livestock reduction targets. He said the council first needed a reliable picture of emissions from its tenanted county farms estate. The authority would consider improving its understanding of agricultural emissions, including methane, before assessing measures to reduce them, he said.

How it is being reported

• Warning as council 'fails to tackle cow in the room'Cows are overtaking cars as the biggest source of greenhouse gases in Wiltshire.Swindon Advertiser · 22 Oct, 05:00
• Warning as council 'fails to tackle cow in the room'Cows are overtaking cars as the biggest source of greenhouse gases in Wiltshire.Wiltshire Times · 22 Oct, 05:00
• Warning as council 'fails to tackle cow in the room'Cows are overtaking cars as the biggest source of greenhouse gases in Wiltshire.Gazette & Herald · 22 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Wiltshire Climate Alliance · Andrew Nicolson · Wiltshire Council · Paul Sample · Wiltshire

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