New vaccines targeting cow stomach bacteria aim to reduce methane emissions.

“It targets bacteria inside the Cows Stomach”

New Vaccines to stop Cattle producing Methane are on their way.

To ‘fight Climate Change’. They are insane. pic.twitter.com/C6hRYSGDSd

— Concerned Citizen (@BGatesIsaPyscho) November 13, 2024

In an unusual bid to combat climate change, researchers are developing vaccines designed to reduce methane emissions from cattle. These vaccines focus on targeting the methane-producing microbes, called methanogens, inside the cows’ stomachs. By reducing the activity of these microbes, the aim is to cut down the amount of methane that cattle produce, which is a major contributor to greenhouse gases.

One notable project, funded by a $9.4 million grant from the Bezos Earth Fund, is a collaboration between the Pirbright Institute and the Royal Veterinary College. The researchers involved are targeting a reduction in methane emissions by over 30%. While the efforts are being hailed as a potential breakthrough in reducing livestock’s environmental impact, some question whether this approach is the most effective or if it just adds another layer of complexity to an already complicated issue.

Sources:

• The Guardian
• BBC
• National Geographic
• Pirbright Institute