Carbon footprint assessment (TIER 3) of milk production in Colombia: Mitigation strategies and cost-efficiency analysis

Abstract

Having signed the Paris Agreement, Colombia’s commitment to reducing GHG emissions by 51 % by 2030 necessitates sustainable agricultural practices. Livestock production, contributing significantly to the national GDP, is responsible for 55 % of total GHG emissions, with enteric methane as the primary contributor. This research aims to assess the carbon footprint of dairy production in the Antioquia region and propose actionable, cost-effective mitigation strategies. In accordance with the IPCC guidelines, a Tier 2 approach was employed for the majority of emission factors. For enteric methane emissions, a Tier 3 approach has been employed, based on in situ measurements, to establish a baseline of GHG emissions and propose mitigation measures. The most cost-effective measure is evaluated through a MACC analysis to determine the optimal approach for reducing these emissions. Results indicate an average annual emission of 2.6 tCO₂e per dairy cow, with methane contributing 89 % of the carbon footprint, . Optimal pasture management emerged as the most cost-effective mitigation strategy, achieving a potential reduction of 880.8 tCO₂e in 10 years of proyection, at a negative marginal cost of -$99.70 per tCO₂e. Conversely, diet optimization and the use of additives, while effective in lowering emissions, incurred additional costs. These findings align with the need for integrated approaches to reducing GHG emissions in agriculture, highlighting the potential for environmentally and economically sustainable solutions that contribute to climate-neutral practices.