Swedish cows and moose emit millions of tons of methane

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute in Jena, Germany, have conducted a groundbreaking study assessing the methane emissions of wild animals. While cows have long been singled out as primary climate villains, the study demonstrates that wild fauna, including deer and moose, also contribute massive amounts of methane to the atmosphere. To calculate these figures, researchers integrated data on population sizes with estimates based on animal body weight and specific diets.

According to their calculations, wild animals emit approximately three million tons of methane annually. More than half of this total is attributed to just six deer species, with the white-tailed deer being the highest emitter. The common Swedish moose, while trailing behind the deer in total emissions, remains the second most significant source of methane within the wild animal category.

These figures gain perspective when compared to Sweden's domestic livestock industry. Statistics from the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency indicate that in 2024, methane emissions from animals in Swedish agriculture totaled just over three million tons. At that time, this represented approximately half of the methane emissions produced by the Swedish agricultural sector as a whole.

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that significantly contributes to global warming. It is often referred to as the "emergency brake" of climate change because it disappears from the atmosphere much faster than carbon dioxide, meaning that reducing its emissions can have a relatively rapid impact on climate trends. Despite this, scientists stress that methane from animals is not the primary driver of the crisis; the majority of global methane emissions stem from infrastructure leaks in the fossil fuel industry and waste landfills.

Given the ecological implications, extensive research is currently underway to mitigate methane emissions from domestic cows. Strategies include dietary adjustments designed to alter digestion and reduce gas production. While wild animals like moose cannot be managed in the same way, the findings underscore the need for a comprehensive understanding of all methane sources as policymakers strive to meet international climate targets.