Grassland/rangelands based livestock production systems: Options and trade-offs between productivity and GHG emissions reductions

Abstract

The global warming is expected to further contribute to the process of rangeland degradation as a result of mis-management and may have significant adverse impacts on range species under high CO2 emissions scenarios. Already threatened rangeland species are likely to come under greater danger and present a very high vulnerability to climate change. Species with low range value and broad ecological niches were favored by the impact of climate change and seemed to be able to survive under future environmental conditions of their adaptation range. Agreat deal of research evidence shows that improved grazing management could lead to greater forage production, more efficient use of land resources, and enhanced profitability and rehabilitation of degraded lands. The tightening linkage between ecosystem services and human well-being in the world’s dryland systems demonstrates the need for an integrated approach to diagnosing and addressing sustainable development priorities, including maintenance of the supply of critical ecosystem services.