Environmental issues

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-