Livestock and climate change

Abstract

Livestock are an important source of nourishment. Livestock products contribute 17% of calories and 33% of protein consumed globally. Consumption levels of milk and meat in the developed world are at least five times higher than in the developing world. However, in developing countries the demand for livestock products is rising rapidly, mainly due to increased human population and rapidly increasing incomes, mainly in Asia. Growth in poultry and pig production is projected to satisfy this demand, though growth in milk and beef production will be important in parts of Africa.