Volta Greentech

Volta Greentech’s seaweed-based supplements have proven to be highly effective in reducing methane emissions from cows by up to 80%.

Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, plays a significant role in climate change, making its reduction crucial in emissions reduction. Agriculture, including livestock farming, is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, with cattle alone accounting for a substantial portion. In fact, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) claim that if cattle were a country, they would rank third in the world for highest greenhouse gas emissions (behind China and the US). Visionaries like Volta Greentech are at the forefront of exploring innovative solutions to mitigate these emissions and promote more climate-friendly practices.

The development and implementation of seaweed-based supplements offer a promising pathway to reducing methane emissions from cattle. At present, seaweed can be farmed, but efforts are underway to commercialize the process and scale up production. Additionally, lab-grown seaweed is being explored as a means to meet the increasing demand for these supplements. The availability of methane-reduced beef LOME in outlets across Sweden demonstrates the practical application and market potential of Volta Greentech's innovative approach.

By informing consumers about the environmental benefits of methane-reduced beef, Volta Greentech is fostering more environmentally conscious decision-making. However, it is essential to consider the broader context of the environmental impact of animal agriculture. While reducing methane emissions is crucial, it is also important to address the extensive resources and land use associated with farming animals. These practises tend to be extremely water-intensive, with the UNFCCC estimating that the livestock sector alone is responsible for around one-third of freshwater use. The seaweed-based supplements offer a step in the right direction, but a comprehensive approach is necessary to tackle the environmental challenges posed by the agricultural sector as a whole.

As a result, Volta Greentech’s enterprise seems hopeful – not only introducing a less carbon-intensive meat to the mass market, but also representing what science and collaboration can achieve. Their efforts align with the goal of mitigating climate change and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. However, it is vital to continue evaluating and optimising the overall environmental impact of animal farming, including land use and resource consumption, to ensure a holistic approach towards a greener future.

Could Volta Greentech’s innovation and success inspire action in other areas of agriculture such as water usage?

Written by Heidi Surfleet

Reference list:

Gates, B. (2018) Climate change and the 75% problem, GatesNotes. Available at: https://www.gatesnotes.com/my-plan-for-fighting-climate-change

Reducing methane emissions from cows. (n.d.) Volta Greentech. Available at: https://www.voltagreentech.com/

We Need to Talk About Meat (2021) United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Available at: https://unfccc.int/blog/we-need-to-talk-about-meat

Images from Volta Greentech’s website