Sustainable Livestock Solutions: Addressing Carbon Footprint Challenges from Indian and Global Perspectives

The rising environmental temperatures and growing global demand for animal protein pose major challenges to sustainable livestock production, highlighting the urgent need for climate change mitigation strategies. The livestock system in different parts of the world, especially in developing and underdeveloped nations, holds a significant role in supporting the livelihoods and nutritional security of millions, yet climate change is jeopardizing its efficiency and exacerbating its carbon footprint. This increase in carbon footprint is an alarming challenge for global sustainability, which needs to be addressed meticulously with fruitful outcomes. As the world’s largest livestock hub, the Indian livestock system can be adopted as a model for understanding the challenges and opportunities within the livestock system to develop sustainable approaches. In 2022, India accounted for approximately 7% of global greenhouse gas emissions (GHGEs), with a total of 3.9 billion metric tons of CO2e. This review provides updated insights on the livestock-related carbon footprint, sustainability-enhancing technologies, GHG estimation models, and strategies for climate-neutral livestock production. Emission estimation models are categorized into source-based and whole-farm models for a comprehensive assessment of emissions. Mitigation strategies for cattle include rumen modification, nutritional approaches, efficient manure management, and precision livestock farming. India’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 is reflected in various initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable livestock systems. Future perspectives emphasize decision modeling and climate-resilient technologies to address environmental challenges in alignment with the UN’s sustainable development goals.