Emissões de metano na pecuária brasileira: estudo comparativo de cinco estados e implicações das políticas sustentáveis

Abstract

The intensification of climate change has imposed on Brazilian agriculture the challenge of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, especially enteric methane (CH₄) from cattle rumen fermentation. Given the country's importance as the world's largest beef exporter, low-emission practices such as Integrated Crop-Livestock-Forestry (ILPF), pasture restoration, advanced nutritional management, and the use of bioinputs have become central. These actions are fostered by public policies, notably the ABC+ Plan, Payments for Environmental Services (PES), and commitments made under the Paris Agreement. To assess the effectiveness of these initiatives, a qualitative exploratory study was conducted based on secondary data from SEEG, IBGE, MAPA, and scientific literature. Productivity and emissions indicators were compared in the five main cattle-producing states (MS, MT, PA, GO, and MG) from 2010 to 2022, and state programs aligned with the ABC+ Plan were analyzed. The results show mixed progress. Mato Grosso do Sul leads the way in adopting low-carbon technologies: extensive pasture restoration, expansion of ILPF and AFS, use of bioinputs, traceable meat, and climate neutrality targets through PROCLIMA and the MS Carbon Neutral project. States like Mato Grosso and Goi·s have also made progress, but with a smaller scope of action. Where policies are more consolidated, productivity gains (higher carcass weight) and a reduction in CH₄intensity per kilogram of product are observed. The conclusion is that well-structured public policies, combined with technological innovation and environmental governance, are crucial for reconciling economic efficiency and GHG mitigation. The example of Mato Grosso do Sul demonstrates that integrating tax incentives, training, monitoring, and access to carbon markets enables a competitive livestock industry aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. The continuity, transparency, and expansion of these regional strategies will be essential to consolidate Brazil's transition toward low carbon agriculture.