Feeding the world population is a major challenge for the
The main, human-induced environmental problems, as
future when one considers that in 2050 there will be an
currently perceived, are related to: natural resources,
expected >9 billion people on this planet. Consequently,
including biodiversity; and climate change.
food production must be increased and intensified (FAO
Regarding natural resources, it is generally accepted
2010). At the same time, there is growing concern about
that the major issues are: (1) ecosystem destruction and
the environmental impact of agricultural production, in
degradation; (2) soil degradation and loss; (3) water
particular of livestock (Steinfeld et al. 2006). While past
degradation and loss; and (4) biodiversity degradation and
agricultural research focused primarily on increased
loss. Obviously, these problem areas are all interrelated.
production, it is now well recognized that ecological
Regarding climate change and its major manifestations
concerns must be addressed as well if environment-
(global warming leading to modifications of rainfall regimes
friendly production strategies are to be developed and
and both flooding and drought phenomena), IPCC (2014)
sustainable intensification (SI) is to be achieved (Garnett
states that the main driver is increased anthropogenic
et al. 2013; The Montpellier Panel 2013). SI encompasses greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, mainly carbon dioxide
increased production from existing farmland without
(CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O).
negatively affecting the environment, and the approach
has been adopted as a policy goal for a number of national
Livestock production and the environment: Some
and international organizations working towards sustain-