Agriculture contributes to nearly 20% of global GHG emissions, with livestock occupying 80% of agricultural land. The majority of livestock-related emissions come from enteric fermentation, manure management, feed production, and energy use. While clean energy initiatives are a focus, controlling GHG emissions in meat and dairy production is also critical to meeting 2050 climate targets. This requires technological innovation and a shift in global consumption patterns.
Genetic selection for ruminants can significantly reduce methane emissions. Experts estimate that 20% of methane emissions are genetically determined. Current research has developed genetic systems that can reduce emissions by 20%, though further work on breed specificity is needed and financial incentives are lacking to encourage adoption [1] [2]
Improving animal health is another biotechnology approach to reducing emissions. Healthier animals are more productive and require fewer resources, which helps reduce the overall livestock population needed to meet global meat and dairy demand. A McKinsey report suggests that better animal health could increase productivity by 8% in North America. Innovations such as LIVEQuest, a low-cost tool developed by the UK and China, help farmers monitor livestock health and productivity [3]. Additionally, in India, a software tool optimizes feed mixes for 2.4 million animals, reducing GHG emissions while meeting nutritional needs [4].
However, innovations in livestock production alone won’t suffice. With global meat consumption expected to double by 2050, reducing meat intake and promoting low-carbon alternatives are essential. In 2016, the UAE had a per capita meat consumption of 85.14 kg, three times higher than in major meat-importing countries [5]. Reducing meat consumption and substituting with less carbon-intensive foods is key to meeting GHG reduction targets.
Biotechnology is advancing in the development of plant-based meat alternatives. Companies like Impossible Foods, NotCo, and Finless Foods are creating meat-like products with fewer environmental impacts. These companies use synthetic biology and AI to produce food that mimics meat while using less water, land, and GHG emissions [6]. Despite progress, these alternatives are still limited in availability.
Although the UAE is not a major contributor to livestock-related GHG emissions, its policies and human capital position it to lead in biotechnology research and development to transform the livestock industry’s environmental impact.
