Abstract:

This paper looks at studies regarding animal agriculture and its increasing contribution to climate change through greenhouse gas emissions. Reports have shown that the pollution created by this industry results in significant negative externalities. It will also examine the impacts that climate change will have on future livestock and agriculture production output based off of 2050 projections. Compared with projected future demand for animal products and population growth, this paper reaches the conclusion that the current livestock system is not sustainable. This paper will then move towards a policy recommendation. After exploring various policies to combat greenhouse gas emission, the policy recommendation will come in the form of a revenue neutral carbon tax; with the suggestion that this tax should be implemented on the animal agriculture industry.