Implications of a consumption-based accounting of greenhouse gas emissions from global dairy cattle systems

Abstract

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from dairy systems at the national level are typically estimated at the point of production, following guidelines for national reporting. However, exploring the emissions allocated to the point of consumption also provides key insights into reducing emissions across all stages (inputs, production, trade, and consumption). In this study, the GHG emissions associated with global dairy cattle products were estimated using a consumption-based accounting approach. The analysis was based on data from 2015, covering 254 territories and considering 21 dairy cattle commodities. Our findings reveal that international trade in dairy products is dominated by a few countries, with the top 20 net importing/exporting countries accounting for about 70% of global emissions embodied in trade. Although, at the global level, GHG emissions embodied in the international trade of dairy cattle products represented a relatively small share of the total (133 Mt CO₂ eq, 9%), they were significant at the country level, particularly for countries heavily involved in trade. In some cases, imports accounted for more than 50% of consumption-related emissions. Trade among European Union countries was relevant representing 32% of the global GHG emission linked with the international trade of dairy products. By adopting a system-wide approach, this study aims to provide novel and critical information to reduce GHG emissions from the global dairy sector, contributing to initiatives such as Pathways to Dairy Net Zero. The results are discussed in the context of the importance of dairy products for global food security. The consumption-based analysis presented represents a different and original perspective in the computation of GHG emissions at the national level for a specific and relevant food item. This approach, guiding policymakers in identifying key impact areas across all stages of the supply chain, can foster the transition to low-carbon dairy products, and support circular economy practices.