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Climate Change, Rangelands, and Sustainability of Ranching in the Western United States

Author

Listed:
  • Jerry L. Holechek

    (Department of Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA)

  • Hatim M. E. Geli

    (Department of Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA
    New Mexico Water Resources Research Institute, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA)

  • Andres F. Cibils

    (Department of Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA)

  • Mohammed N. Sawalhah

    (Department of Natural Resources in Arid Lands, Prince El-Hassan bin Talal Faculty for Arid Lands, The Hashemite University, Zarqa 13133, Jordan)

Abstract

Accelerated climate change is a global challenge that is increasingly putting pressure on the sustainability of livestock production systems that heavily depend on rangeland ecosystems. Rangeland management practices have low potential to sequester greenhouse gases. However, mismanagement of rangelands and their conversion into ex-urban, urban, and industrial landscapes can significantly exacerbate the climate change process. Under conditions of more droughts, heat waves, and other extreme weather events, management of risks (climate, biological, financial, political) will probably be more important to the sustainability of ranching than capability to expand output of livestock products in response to rising demand due to population growth. Replacing traditional domestic livestock with a combination of highly adapted livestock and game animals valued for both hunting and meat may be the best strategy on many arid rangelands. Eventually, traditional ranching could become financially unsound across large areas if climate change is not adequately addressed. Rangeland policy, management, and research will need to be heavily focused on the climate change problem.

Suggested Citation

  • Jerry L. Holechek & Hatim M. E. Geli & Andres F. Cibils & Mohammed N. Sawalhah, 2020. "Climate Change, Rangelands, and Sustainability of Ranching in the Western United States," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(12), pages 1-24, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:12:p:4942-:d:372683
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Mounir Louhaichi & Mouldi Gamoun & Farah Ben Salem & Azaiez Ouled Belgacem, 2021. "Rangeland Biodiversity and Climate Variability: Supporting the Need for Flexible Grazing Management," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(13), pages 1-16, June.
    2. Jerry L. Holechek & Hatim M. E. Geli & Mohammed N. Sawalhah & Raul Valdez, 2022. "A Global Assessment: Can Renewable Energy Replace Fossil Fuels by 2050?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-22, April.
    3. Ashraf J. Zaied & Hatim M. E. Geli & Andres F. Cibils & Mohammed N. Sawalhah & Jerry L. Holechek & Charlotte C. Gard & Saleh A. Idhirij & Melakeneh G. Gedefaw & Greg L. Torell, 2021. "Beef Cattle Price and Production Patterns in Relation to Drought in New Mexico," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-20, September.
    4. Castaño-Sánchez, José P. & Rotz, C. Alan & McIntosh, Matthew M. & Tolle, Cindy & Gifford, Craig A. & Duff, Glenn C. & Spiegal, Sheri A., 2023. "Grass finishing of Criollo cattle can provide an environmentally preferred and cost effective meat supply chain from United States drylands," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 210(C).

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