Minimising the beef industry's impact on climate change

This Case Study highlights ways the red meat industry is limiting its impact on climate change. It outlines the nature of Meat and Livestock Australia and its role in creating an industry-wide climate change strategy.

As a result of reading this Case Study the student should be able to:

• Understand the importance of climate change in today's world 
• Recognise the role of MLA in creating an industry wide climate change strategy
• Explain how the industry has responded to the needs of stakeholders and the concerns of the wider community about climate change
• Analyse ways the industry is achieving a reduction in emissions and an improvement in carbon sequestration.

Introduction

Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) is a producer-owned company working in partnership with industry and government to achieve a profitable and sustainable red meat and livestock industry.

Creating a climate change strategy

Grazing is the single most extensive form of land use both in Australia and worldwide.

Responding to stakeholder and community needs

Stakeholders are people who are affected economically, environmentally or socially by the performance and activity of the industry.

Reducing greenhouse gases

Greenhouse gases are a natural part of the atmosphere. They absorb and re-radiate the sun's warmth, and maintain the earth's surface temperature at a level necessary to support life.

Improving the carbon cycle

The carbon cycle is the term used to describe how carbon is exchanged between the biosphere, the atmosphere, water and the earth.

Conclusion

For livestock producers, taking care of the environment is a critical part of their day's work. If they do not sustain a healthy environment their future livelihood is at risk.