Doesn't methane from cows become part of a ~10 year carbon cycle via plants?

Last updated 30/01/2025

While methane from cows and other ruminant animals does form part of the natural carbon cycle, it is also a very powerful greenhouse gas (28 times more powerful than carbon dioxide). Human activities, including agriculture, generate more greenhouse gases than can be used in this natural cycle, leading to global warming and climate change. Everyone has a part to play in reducing our greenhouse gas emissions to prevent catastrophic climate change.  

This includes targeted efforts to reduce methane generation from the energy and agriculture sectors. It also includes efforts to reduce other greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide from fossil fuel use and nitrous oxides from fertiliser use across the Australian and global economy. Australia has committed to international agreements, like the Paris Agreement and the Global Methane Pledge, to minimise the impacts of climate change. Alongside this, the Australian dairy industry has set its own specific emissions reduction targets. 

The dairy industry acknowledges there’s still room to improve efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the entire supply chain. By doing so, the industry can play a vital role in addressing the climate crisis and ensuring its long-term sustainability. 

The Australian Dairy Industry Sustainability Framework, established in 2012, is a world-class initiative that highlights how the industry is fulfilling its promise: to provide nutritious food for a healthier world. This promise is built on four sustainability commitments: creating a vibrant industry that produces nutritious, safe, and high-quality food while caring for our animals and the environment and meeting the challenges of climate change. 

Opportunities already exist for dairy businesses to take action on climate change on their farms, reducing emissions is one part of this. Further research and development of new emissions reduction technologies and support for adapting farming systems will be required to help dairy businesses face climate change. Dairy Australia's Climate Change Strategy (2020-2025) is guiding investments in this area.