The potential for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the milk production sector

Abstract

The thesis presents results on analyses of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction potential in the milk production sector. The growing interest on environmental impact justify a GHG analysis of the milk sector at the European level, distributing the main gases emitted in milk production chain, and the processes where these emissions are produced. This analysis shows that at the European level, 1,62 kg CO2 eq kg of milk-1 are emitted along the milk production chain, with different importance of stages and gases. According to the GHG distribution, there is an analysis of reduction strategies at the industry level. The calculated reduction potential is 16,18% less emissions in milk production, with different potential reduction according to stages of the milk production cycle.

A questionnaire distributed among milk consumers shows that there is receptivity for changing the brand purchased by consumers if the industry shows them the efforts made to reduce environmental impact, with an analysis of the consumers groups more willing to change their decision.