Environmental Working Group Warns Agriculture Could Become Top U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emitter by 2050
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) reports that agriculture is projected to become the leading source of U.S. climate emissions by 2050 if current trends continue and emissions are not reduced. While agriculture currently ranks fourth among U.S. economic sectors for greenhouse gas emissions, behind transportation, industry, and electricity, its share is expected to nearly double from 10% to 18% by 2050 under existing policies. This increase is primarily driven by rising emissions of nitrous oxide and methane. Nitrous oxide, largely from agricultural soil management and fertilizer use, accounts for 52% of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions and is 273 times more potent than carbon dioxide over 100 years. Methane, mainly from livestock (enteric fermentation from beef and dairy cattle accounts for about 25% of total U.S. methane emissions) and manure management, makes up 46% of agricultural emissions. Unlike other sectors that are reducing emissions due to international commitments and technological adva... 
