NASA GISS provides a global 1-degree resolution dataset mapping livestock population densities and their associated methane emissions. The data integrates FAO statistics and other sources to distribute populations of cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, camels, pigs, horses, and caribou. Methane production estimates are applied to these populations to create a spatial emissions map.
Use Cases
- Model spatial methane flux from livestock using the 1-degree grid of animal population densities.
- Analyze regional emission hotspots by correlating latitude bands (e.g., 25N to 55N) with specific animal types like cattle and sheep.
- Compare methane contribution estimates across animal categories including water buffalo, goats, and camels.
- Validate or downscale national FAO livestock statistics using the gridded country and land-use distribution data.
Strengths
- Global coverage at a consistent 1-degree by 1-degree spatial resolution.
- Includes eight specific animal types: cattle, dairy cows, water buffalo, sheep, goats, camels, pigs, horses, and caribou.
- Emissions methodology is based on cited research (Crutzen et al., 1986).
Limitations
- Exact row count, temporal coverage, and update frequency are not specified.
- Emissions estimates rely on a single 1986 research methodology, which may not reflect modern livestock practices.
- Underlying FAO population statistics may be outdated for the dataset's creation period.
Provenance
- Source
- NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies (NASA/GISS), utilizing Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) compilations.
- Collection Method
- Animal statistics were distributed using a 1-degree resolution database of countries and land-use.
- Time Range
- null
- Freshness
- null
- Geography
- Global.