Chapter
The environmental impact of Uruguay's cattle ranching
36:54 - 43:43 (06:49)
Uruguay's cattle industry contributes close to half of the country's total greenhouse gas emissions, with livestock as a whole responsible for 14% of global emissions. However, Uruguay's grass-fed cattle industry is more sustainable than others because they rely on native grasses and do not use antibiotics or hormones.
Clips
Beef production is responsible for almost half of Brazil's greenhouse gas emissions, with the cattle industry producing even more emissions in the United States.
36:54 - 39:48 (02:54)
Summary
Beef production is responsible for almost half of Brazil's greenhouse gas emissions, with the cattle industry producing even more emissions in the United States. While there is a growing movement for a plant-based diet, human consumption of meat is still high due to the convenience of fossil fuels.
ChapterThe environmental impact of Uruguay's cattle ranching
EpisodeThe Sunday Read: ‘What Does Sustainable Living Look Like? Maybe Like Uruguay’
PodcastThe Daily
In Uruguay, ranchers don't use antibiotics or hormones, and 90% of cattle still feed on native grasses, helping sequester carbon, whereas the global cattle industry has become problematic due to raising or degrading too many grasslands.
39:48 - 43:43 (03:55)
Summary
In Uruguay, ranchers don't use antibiotics or hormones, and 90% of cattle still feed on native grasses, helping sequester carbon, whereas the global cattle industry has become problematic due to raising or degrading too many grasslands. When grasslands are overgrazed, the soil becomes degraded and carbon absorption is reduced.