The Impact of Livestock Production on Non-Forest Ecosystems

Recent research published in the *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences* highlights the alarming rate at which non-forest ecosystems—specifically grasslands, savannas, and wetlands—are being converted for agricultural use. This conversion occurs at nearly four times the rate of forest destruction, primarily driven by livestock production. Elise Mazur, a researcher at the Land and Carbon Lab at the World Resources Institute, emphasizes the need to understand the global patterns of this conversion, which has historically received less policy attention compared to deforestation.

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The study, which analyzed land-use changes from 2005 to 2020, reveals that livestock and dairy farming are significant contributors to the loss of non-forest ecosystems. Approximately 50% of non-forest land conversion is attributed to pasture for grazing, while 27% is converted to cropland for food, and 17% for animal feed, including crops like corn and soybeans. This indicates that livestock production plays a critical role in the overall conversion of natural ecosystems.

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In specific regions such as Brazil, Argentina, the United States, and China, the conversion of cropland for livestock feed exceeds 50%. Notably, over 30% of these crops are exported, driven by global demand for livestock-based food. The study also identifies biofuels, particularly ethanol and biodiesel, as significant factors in grassland loss, especially in the U.S., where policy incentives like the Renewable Fuel Standard have heightened demand.

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Mazur advocates for a comprehensive approach to conservation that includes both forests and non-forest ecosystems. She notes that while initiatives like the Soy Moratorium in Brazil have reduced deforestation, they have inadvertently led to agricultural expansion into adjacent ecosystems, such as the Cerrado savanna. This highlights the necessity for policies that address the interconnectedness of various ecosystems to prevent further degradation.

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Some critics argue that the focus on livestock and biofuels may overshadow other significant factors contributing to ecosystem loss. They call for a more nuanced understanding of agricultural practices and their environmental impacts, suggesting that a singular focus on livestock may not capture the full scope of the issue.

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The research team, which included experts from the Rainforest Alliance and Germany’s Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, stresses the importance of integrating grassland conversion into conservation targets. They assert that policymakers and agricultural companies must recognize the critical role of non-forest ecosystems in climate stability and biodiversity.

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“The takeaway from this is that livestock and dairy play an outsized role in the loss of our non-forest ecosystems when compared to other commodities or foods.” — Elise Mazur, Researcher, Land and Carbon Lab

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“Both forests and non-forest ecosystems need to be addressed together,” — Elise Mazur, Researcher, Land and Carbon Lab

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Moving forward, the research calls for enhanced policy frameworks that consider the impacts of agricultural practices on all natural ecosystems, aiming to mitigate the ongoing loss of vital habitats.

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