Matís is researching whether Icelandic algae can reduce methane emissions from cows in the SeaCH4NGE project, which is funded by EIT Food. Foreign studies have shown that the use of algae as part of feed can reduce the production of methane gas from ruminants. SeaCH4NGE is researching a wide range of Icelandic algae and whether they can reduce methane from cows. The algae are both studied in laboratories for chemical content and also for their ability to reduce methane production. The algae that come out best in laboratories will then be further investigated in a feed experiment with cows.
It is clear that the effects of catastrophic warming are far-reaching and serious. A recent report by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) pointed to the serious consequences of global warming of 1.5 ° C from the Industrial Revolution compared to global warming of 2 ° C. We are already aiming for a minimum of 3-4 ° C global warming in 2100 - but the average temperature difference today and during the ice age is exactly approx. 4 ° C. In this context, it is clear that such a rise in global temperature would overthrow ecosystems.
Meat and dairy products are mentioned in this context. The reason is that cows emit methane gas during fertilization, but methane is a very strong greenhouse gas and is 28x more effective greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. Due to the enormous number of cows worldwide, this methane emission plays a major role in greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, which is almost a quarter of anthropogenic emissions.
It is necessary to act. Changes in food habits, agricultural systems, policies and legislation as well as a reduction in food waste are, among other things, important measures to respond to. There is no magic solution to the problem and a holistic approach must always be considered. SeaCH4NGE aims to be a single link towards positive changes in agriculture in terms of the environment.
Below is a video in English which is a short summary of the project and its benefits.
