Are we missing a trick with manure management that others around the world are starting to see? New research suggests the scale of UK methane emissions may be larger than first thought – but also that better management could significantly reduce this, while technology could harness emissions to generate energy and income. All of this rests on focusing attention on the much maligned area of manure management.
According to government figures, methane emissions from enteric fermentation (burps & farts directly from ruminant livestock) account for 53% of UK agricultural emissions, while waste and manure management account for 16%. But new research suggests a much larger proportion of emissions may be coming from manure. “Manure has historically been left in a corner and treated like shit,” says our speaker, Andy Atkins. “It’s time we gave it the attention it deserves. This is a really complicated area, and there are huge ramifications, but we need to start somewhere.”
Our two speakers will present on their joint research in this area and highlight key questions and areas of further research: Andy Atkins is Chief Scientist at the International Fugitive Emissions Abatement Association, and Neil Ward is Professor of Rural and Regional Development at the University of East Anglia (UEA), co-lead of the AFN Network+.
About Andy:
Prof Andy Atkins is the Chief Scientist at the International Fugitive Emissions Abatement Association (IFEAA), a not-for-profit working to accelerate action to reduce fugitive greenhouse gas emissions. As an engineer and innovator, he has detailed technical knowledge spanning various fields including biogas recovery, cryogenic systems, medical devices, electro-magnetics, cyber risk analysis, and powertrain and engine combustion design. Prof Atkins bridges the gap between product development and applied science in academia and industry and has over 50 patent families to his name. He is currently director and investor in three green energy startups, and deeply involved in shaping the future of sustainable energy solutions. He holds visiting professorships at Loughborough University and Portsmouth University.
About Neil:
As well as a co-convenor of AFN Network+, Neil Ward is a professor of rural and regional development at the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research at the University of East Anglia (UEA), where he was deputy vice chancellor and PVC-Academic (2013-21). He has held chairs at the University of Leeds and Newcastle University, where he was director of the Centre for Rural Economy from 2004 to 2008. He has also worked for periods on secondment to the Cabinet Office and as an advisor to the Economic and Social Research Council. His research interests are in rural economic and social change, agriculture, food and environmental policy and regional development. His latest book is Net Zero, Food and Farming: Climate Change and the UK Agri-Food System (Routledge 2023).
About the webinar series:
This webinar is part of a monthly series run by AFN Network+ which explores net zero in the UK agri-food system with leading movers and shakers. Expect deep and varied insight from across the sector, including farmers, scientists, policy analysts, community leaders, retailers, politicians, businesses and health professionals. The series is put together by Jez Fredenburgh, our Knowledge Exchange Fellow, and Prof Neil Ward, AFN Co-lead and professor of rural geography at the University of East Anglia.
