J-WAFS awards 2024 Animal Ag Grant

J-WAFS is pleased to announce that the 2024 J-WAFS Grant for Transforming Animal Agriculture Systems has been awarded to Assistant Professor César Terrer for his project: The role of livestock in climate change: “Holistic greenhouse gas assessments and implications for human diets.” The J-WAFS Grant for Transforming Animal Agriculture Systems supports MIT research that addresses the challenges and environmental impacts of industrialized food animal production (IFAP). Specifically, the grant program aims to support projects focused on low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where IFAP is expanding, along with potential negative effects.

César Terrer is a tenure-track assistant professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at MIT. An expert in climate and carbon-cycle science, his research focuses on understanding and mitigating the impacts of climate change on terrestrial ecosystems. Terrer has authored numerous high-impact publications, including articles in the journals Nature and Science. He has also served as an advisor for large corporate entities on natural climate solutions. His work is recognized for its significant contributions to both scientific understanding and practical climate solutions.

Climate change remains a pressing challenge in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Livestock grazing, a predominant agricultural practice in these regions, plays a significant role in environmental degradation and climate change, influencing land use, soil composition, and vegetation patterns. These factors collectively alter the atmospheric levels of greenhouse gases (GHGs). This project aims to develop a nuanced understanding of how these emissions can be managed and reduced, utilizing scientific research to foster sustainable agricultural practices across various ecosystems.