Scotland faces a significant challenge in meeting its legally binding commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2045. Recent policy decisions, particularly a promise not to reduce livestock numbers, have created a substantial gap in the plan, threatening to derail efforts to combat climate change. This article explores the complex situation, examines alternative strategies beyond simply reducing livestock, and highlights the innovations some farmers are employing to minimize their environmental impact.
The Current Situation and the Growing Emissions Gap
Scotland’s legally binding target is to reach net-zero—meaning adding no further carbon dioxide to the atmosphere—by 2045. The Scottish government is attempting to achieve this by cutting emissions and then offsetting remaining emissions through natural and engineered processes. However, a recent pledge by First Minister John Swinney not to reduce livestock numbers contradicts advice from the independent Climate Change Committee (CCC). The CCC recommends cutting livestock by 26% by 2035 to align with carbon reduction targets, suggesting a reduction from 7.6 million tonnes of agricultural emissions in 2025 to 5.1 million by 2035.
Alternative Strategies for Reducing Emissions
The CCC’s plan estimates that 48% of the required 2.5 million-tonne reduction in agricultural emissions should come from livestock reduction. The remaining 1.2 million-tonne gap highlights the need for alternative solutions. Several options are being considered:
- Decarbonizing Agricultural Machinery: Reducing the carbon footprint of tractors and other equipment through electrification and other sustainable technologies.
- Reducing Fertilizer Use: Optimizing fertilizer application to minimize nitrous oxide emissions, a potent greenhouse gas.
- Afforestation (Tree Planting): Expanding Scotland’s forestry cover from 19% to 21% by 2035, although this has faced setbacks, including budget cuts that led to nurseries threatening to destroy millions of saplings and the administration of a major nursery.
- Extending Hedgerows: Increasing the network of hedgerows – currently at around 43,000km – by 9,000km by 2045. Hedgerows act as wildlife corridors and sequester carbon in their foliage and extensive root systems. Denise Walton, a farmer in Berwickshire, has added 11km of hedgerows to her farm, showcasing the potential benefits.
- Engineered Carbon Removal: Employing technologies to mechanically remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it underground, although this is currently in its early stages of development.
Innovative Farming Practices: The Mob Grazing Model
Some farmers are already demonstrating how to reduce their carbon footprint without necessarily reducing livestock numbers. Johnnie Balfour, who farms a 300-strong herd of Aberdeen Angus near Glenrothes, operates a farm rated as “carbon negative.” Balfour’s cattle graze outdoors year-round using a process called “mob grazing,” where they are moved onto fresh pasture daily. This system eliminates the need for barns and the associated feed production (silage, barley, and beans) and their carbon-intensive inputs.
Balfour argues that the problem isn’t the cows themselves, but rather how they are managed. He emphasizes a holistic approach to farming that prioritizes efficient grazing and land management—a shift from previous systems that relied on intensive feeding and machinery.
Challenges and the Path Forward
Achieving Scotland’s net-zero targets will require a concerted effort across various sectors. While tree planting remains a vital strategy, challenges such as budget cuts and industry disruptions have slowed progress. The government’s policy decisions and their impact on achieving emission reduction targets have previously drawn criticism from the Climate Change Committee, which has urged for specific and detailed policy plans.
Ultimately, Scotland’s success in combating climate change hinges on innovative farming practices, strategic investments in green technologies, and a commitment to sustainable land management. > The path forward demands a blend of technological advancement, policy clarity, and a willingness to adopt new approaches to agriculture.
