How can biochar in livestock feed reduce methane emissions? | Simon Burgess | TEDxNantwich

Simon discusses Reaseheath College's research into how biochar in livestock feed can reduce methane emissions by 6-15%. With more than 450 dairy farms in Cheshire, such an innovation can have a marked effect on climate change. Simon also explains planned work at Reaseheath to examine biochar's impact on milk production in dairy cattle and cow health in general. The results of the trials will help move towards more sustainable food and farming practices. Simon joined Reaseheath as Head of Projects, Research and Innovation in 2019. He graduated in Metallurgy in 1986 and spent three years in metallurgical research before joining AEA Technology in Harwell, Oxfordshire, where he worked on renewable energy development. In 1992, Simon was seconded to Brussels to work with the European Commission and left after 18 months to set up his first company. From then, and until joining Reaseheath, Simon set-up and ran a number of businesses in areas such as renewable energy, management consulting, skin and hair care products, and contract flooring. Simon regularly works for the European Commission on EU R&D funding programmes. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@martynforde8463]

where can we see updates of the research?

[@TheSchmidt62]

It seems like the waste product from the cattle eating the bio char would be extremely useful in farming

[@KEIN-pj1ws]

I think this idea should be also implemented in INDIA so that majority of the greenhouse gas may be eliminated

[@Human_Herbivore]

If it is acknowledged by the dairy industry that 6 to 15% reduction in emissions is considerable, how about 100%? Cow's milk is what nature intended for baby cows, not humans. Choosing plant milks would mean a 100% reduction in the allow us to rewild the land that is used to grow crops to feed and cleared to graze dairy cows.

[@Human_Herbivore]

@@robinlecocq7065 Well, if you want to say 100% is not more than 15%, I don't know what to tell you.

[@robinlecocq7065]

You a very intelligent point but taking cow off the land would cause a bigger relase of carbon then thier methane emissions their for more goble warming. See ippc 2018 land use report

[@Hakkeholt]

Grazing and especially dairy is one of the most sustainable ways of farming, you don't need anyting else, just cows and someone to milk them. I hope more people dig into this deeper than just talking about it and pointing fingers.

[@AlAnGi]

Huge changes are not realistic. But we need to make step forward For example less animal in a small facility I don't want a new pandemic because of this

[@Hakkeholt]

​@@AlAnGi Yeah we cannot simply build smaller farms, small farms with like 50-80 cows have a hard time to keep in business, as they have almost the same overhead-costs as a 500 cow farm. And the last can purchase cheaper full truck loads and cheaper contracts, also banks prefer bigger customers and sell them cheaper mortgage percentages. The whole system here in Europe and especially USA is built on growth.