Can buying Kangaroo meat actually lowering carbon emissions?
Consumers purchasing kangaroo are choosing comparatively low emission meat because kangaroos produce negligible amounts of the greenhouse gas methane. This attribute appeals to environmentally aware and sustainability conscious consumers. Per head cattle can produce up to 600 times more, and sheep 50 times, the amount of methane that kangaroos produce. It means that 1 kg of kangaroo meat generates 0.75 kg CO2equivalents per year, whereas 1 kg beef generates 25 kg CO2 equivalents per year.
The difference between emissions produced per kilogram of meat creates an opportunity for landholders to earn carbon credits. There are also potentially biodiversity credits through better management of grazing pressures and reduced damage to sensitive habitats.
Source: George R Wilson and Melanie Edwards, 'Professional kangaroo population control leads to better animal welfare, conservation outcomes and avoids waste', 2018.