Editorial: Battle lines drawn
OPINION: Climate change is shaping up to be one of the major issues at next year's general election.
Methane emissions from cattle in Australia are 24% lower than previously estimated, equivalent to 12.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, says new Australian research.
The research was undertaken by scientists and officials from across Australia, and was based on data collected over eight years of research as part of the Meat & Livestock Australia's (MLA) methane abatement research programs.
The new methodology also brings the NGGI in line with the estimates of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the leading international body on the assessment of climate change, established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organisation in 1988.
CSIRO Agriculture's research scientist, Dr Ed Charmley, says the work was conducted because of concerns about the large differential between NGGI and IPCC methane emission figures for Australian cattle. There was also doubt surrounding the accuracy of previous calculation methodologies used for cattle, particularly northern Australian cattle.
"Different methods used to calculate emissions from livestock in temperate and tropical regions were based on studies done in the 1960s and 1990s, mainly with dairy cattle," says Charmley.
"Both of these past methods were found to be likely over-estimating the emissions from cattle.
"The revised method, which is based on improved ways of estimating ruminant methane emissions from forage-fed beef and dairy cattle, be they in temperate or tropical regions, has been tested against international defaults provided by the IPCC and found to give consistent methane yields."
MLA general manager, On Farm Innovation, Matthew McDonagh, says the results of the research provide an accurate dataset which clearly show's Australian cattle contribute substantially less to methane emissions than previously believed.
"This is positive news for the Australian livestock sector as it seeks to continually improve its production efficiencies and demonstrate its environmental credentials." says McDonagh.
A Chinese business leader says Chinese investors are unfairly viewed as potential security risks in New Zealand.
In the first of two articles focusing on electrification in New Zealand, Leo Argent talks with Mike Casey, operator of the 100% electric-operated Electric Cherries orchard and founder of advocacy group Rewiring Aotearoa.
A Foundation for Arable Research initiative which took a closer look at the efficiency of a key piece of machinery for arable farmers - their combine harvesters - has been recognised at the Primary Industry NZ Awards.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has reiterated New Zealand’s ‘China And’ policy, adding that it wasn’t about choosing one market over another but creating more options for exporters.
A long running trade dispute between New Zealand and Canada over dairy access has been resolved.
New Zealand Police is urging rural property owners to remain vigilant and ensure their property is secure.
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