Methane, Cows, and Climate Change: California Dairy’s Path to Climate Neutrality

Climate change is a global issue that requires comprehensive and far-reaching solutions across all economic and demographic jurisdictions. The Paris Climate Agreement, adopted in 2015, sets out a global framework to address harmful climate impacts by limiting additional global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius (°C) (1.5 °C goal). The accord recognizes regional differences and the need for specific actions across all jurisdictions, including developed economies providing leadership and assistance to developing nations in their climate mitigation efforts.

California continues to lead the United States and world in implementing measures to achieve emissions reductions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) that advance climate change. Toward this end, California has established ambitious goals for reducing GHG emissions (Senate Bill 32) by 40 percent by 2030 and 80 percent by 2050. Senate Bill 1383 (2016) also established specific goals for reducing short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs), such as methane, by 40 percent from 2013 levels. Ultimately, California is working toward a goal of “net-zero” carbon emissions by 2045 (Executive Order B-55-18).