[ECO]Rewilding Cattle Pastures in a Few Wealthy Countries Will Deliver Huge Climate Benefits

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Rewilding cattle pastures from 13% of grazing fields into forests could capture 125 gigatons of carbon dioxide.

A new study suggests that converting grazing lands in wealthy and middle-income countries into natural habitats could deliver significant climate benefits by reducing carbon dioxide emissions. 

Yes, researchers found that if just 13% of the world’s cattle pastures were repurposed for reforestation or ecosystem restoration, we could capture up to 125 gigatons of carbon dioxide or about three years’ worth of global emissions.

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, led by experts at New York University, points out that wealthier countries could play a key role in tackling climate change.

Many of these countries, like the United States, China, and several European nations, have large areas of pastureland that could store huge amounts of carbon if restored to their natural ecosystems, like forests or grasslands.

To figure out which pastures had the most potential, researchers created a metric called ‘carbon opportunity intensity.’ This involved analyzing global cattle grazing lands and assessing their ability to sequester carbon if restored to their natural states, such as forests, scrublands, or grasslands. 

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A few cows in a large plot of land has less impact than the intensive agricultural operations in much of the global North. Photo by Veronica White on Unsplash

They then developed a metric called ‘carbon opportunity intensity’ to rank pastures based on their potential for carbon storage. 

The discovery was that areas that could support dense forests ranked highest, while regions suitable for grasslands scored lower.

Remote sensing technology was used to measure the productivity of these grazing lands and estimate the beef yields they currently support. This approach allowed researchers to weigh the trade-off between reducing beef production and maximizing carbon sequestration.

It turns out that wealthier nations often have less agriculturally productive cattle pastures, which makes them perfect candidates for rewilding, that is, converting them back into forests or other natural habitats. 

This shift wouldn’t hurt global beef supplies much, especially since these areas are already less efficient for grazing. On the flip side, in poorer countries where cattle farming is more crucial for food and income, the carbon storage potential is usually lower.

Because these lands are less productive for cattle grazing, rewilding cattle pasture would have a limited impact on global beef supplies while offering significant environmental gains. In contrast, areas in low-income countries, where cattle farming may be more critical for nutrition and livelihoods, generally lack the same carbon storage potential.

There are real-world examples showing how rewilding cattle pastures could work. In Europe, for instance, projects like the Knepp Estate in England have transformed former grazing lands into thriving habitats for native species, demonstrating biodiversity gains alongside carbon storage benefits. 

Over to China, the Loess Plateau rehabilitation project showcases large-scale reforestation efforts that have reversed desertification and increased soil fertility, emphasizing the feasibility of rewilding even degraded lands.

These examples prove that rewilding cattle pastures works, but researchers say it needs the right policies, funding, and long-term planning to succeed. 

Reducing beef production by 13% in wealthier nations could free up enough land for large-scale reforestation without affecting food security in poorer regions. However, the researchers caution against viewing reforestation as a standalone solution. 

Broader efforts to reduce beef consumption globally remain necessary to address the climate crisis effectively. They also stress that reforestation should complement, not replace, reductions in fossil fuel emissions.

The findings align with international climate targets that emphasize ecosystem restoration as a tool for carbon capture. Many countries have committed to reforestation and land restoration initiatives as part of their climate strategies, and the study provides insights into where such efforts could be most effective.

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As nations seek to meet their carbon reduction commitments, prioritizing high-income regions for rewilding cattle pastures could deliver immediate and scalable results. At the same time, policies should address potential economic impacts on livestock industries and ensure equitable transitions for affected communities.

Advancements in satellite imaging and remote sensing technologies are revolutionizing the ability to measure and monitor carbon sequestration in rewilding cattle pasture projects. High-resolution imagery and machine-learning algorithms now provide detailed data on vegetation growth, soil health, and carbon absorption rates. 

These technologies allow researchers and policymakers to track progress and validate results, ensuring that reforestation efforts meet their climate goals.

Innovations such as LiDAR scanning and hyperspectral imaging further improve accuracy, enabling precise measurements of biomass and soil carbon levels. Such tools enhance transparency and accountability, making it easier to scale rewilding initiatives globally.

Rewilding cattle pastures in high-carbon potential areas is a promising strategy for reducing emissions. However, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. The world needs broader efforts to change diets, promote sustainable farming, and cut emissions across all sectors. Wealthy nations can lead the way in restoring ecosystems and combating climate change—helping to meet global targets while keeping food systems intact.

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