Animal Ag, Not Fossil Fuels, Is The Leading Cause Of Climate Change, Says New Study

A new analysis suggests that animal agriculture, not fossil fuels, is the primary driver of climate change. According to the study, animal agriculture is responsible for 53 percent of global average temperature rise between 1750 and 2020, equating to 0.64°C of warming. This shift in responsibility is based on advances in understanding emissions and accounting for their impacts on the climate.

The study argues for a shift in climate policy, advocating for consistent carbon accounting, the use of Effective Radiative Forcing (ERF) to measure the climate impact of different gases, and accounting for all emissions, including both warming and cooling effects. This new approach challenges the long-held belief that fossil fuels are the leading cause of climate change and emphasizes the urgent need to transition away from them to address the climate crisis effectively.