Are Cows Worse Than Cars?

Which is the bigger contributor to climate warming: cows or cars? To answer this question properly, it helps to break down the different greenhouse gases and understand how they compare. It can be confusing, but comparing cows and cars offers a useful lens through which to understand the bigger picture.

What are greenhouse gases and how do they work?

Greenhouse gases let sunlight reach the Earth but trap the heat that radiates back from the planet’s surface. This is what causes the greenhouse effect. The most significant greenhouse gas is water vapour, responsible for around 60 percent of the warming effect. However, it operates differently from others: its concentration in the atmosphere is determined by temperature rather than human activity. As temperatures drop, water vapour condenses to form clouds.

The rest of the greenhouse gases are known as non-condensable gases. These include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and fluorinated gases. Each of these gases has a different lifespan and ability to trap heat. Some are emitted in vast amounts but are less efficient at warming the atmosphere. Others, like methane, are emitted in smaller quantities but have a far greater warming potential.

Carbon dioxide and methane: a closer look

Carbon dioxide is the main greenhouse gas emitted through human activity, particularly from burning fossil fuels. Because of this, other greenhouse gases are often expressed as carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2 eq) to make comparisons easier. These are commonly referred to as “carbon emissions.”

Methane is emitted from oil and gas operations, livestock farming, and decomposing organic waste in landfill. It is far more potent than carbon dioxide in the short term: over a 20-year period, methane traps more than 80 times as much heat. While carbon dioxide lasts longer in the atmosphere, methane drives more immediate warming.

Comparing emissions: livestock versus transport

According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, livestock on farms in the EU and UK were responsible for emitting around 502 million tonnes of CO2 eq in 2018, mainly due to methane. When emissions linked to animal feed production are included, the total rises to 704 million tonnes.

In comparison, all cars and vans across Europe emitted about 656 million tonnes of carbon dioxide in the same year.

This comparison shows that livestock farming and road transport each contribute significant greenhouse gas emissions. Rather than debating which is worse, the real question becomes: how do we reduce the carbon emissions of both?

Why this comparison matters

Using CO2 equivalents allows us to cut through the complexity of different gases and focus on a single number that reflects their combined warming potential. This helps communities and policymakers target the biggest opportunities for change.

In terms of local climate action, there are ways to address both sources. Actions like shifting to sustainable farming practices and plant-based diets can reduce methane emissions, while supporting cleaner transport options and reducing car dependency can lower carbon dioxide emissions.

Explore the local actions you can take to reduce emissions from food and transport.

FAQs

Do cows really cause more emissions than cars?

Yes, when including methane and emissions from producing animal feed, livestock across Europe emit more greenhouse gases (in CO2 equivalents) than all cars and vans. However, both are major contributors to climate change.

Why is methane from cows so harmful?

Methane has more than 80 times the warming potential of carbon dioxide in its first 20 years in the atmosphere. This makes emissions from livestock a significant driver of short-term warming.

Can changing our diets help reduce emissions?

Yes, changing our diets can help to reduce emissions. Shifting towards plant-based foods and supporting local, sustainable farming can lower methane emissions and reduce the climate impact of our food system.

Are electric vehicles the answer to car emissions?

Electric vehicles produce fewer carbon emissions than petrol or diesel cars, especially when powered by renewable energy. However, reducing car use altogether by improving public transport and walking and cycling infrastructure is also essential.

How can local communities take action?

Communities can support initiatives like sustainable food programmes, shared transport schemes and local planning that encourages greener travel. Visit Carbon Copy’s 25 local actions to learn more.

Photo by Jenny Hill on Unsplash