Researcher(s)
- Paige Angermaier, Geography, University of Delaware
Faculty Mentor(s)
- Aarti Arora, Geography and Spatial Sciences, University of Delaware
- Kyle Davis, Geography and Spatial Sciences, University of Delaware
Abstract
New Zealand’s high ratio of livestock to people is due to significant amounts of animal exports to other nations. Because of this, New Zealand has an established role in the globalization of the agriculture industry. We reviewed national census data, agricultural census data, immigration reports, and literature regarding methods of livestock agriculture, exports of livestock products, and environmental impact of New Zealand livestock industry. Past research has found that there are not enough skilled workers domestically which has led to the immigration of people into New Zealand to work in agriculture through various VISA programs. The top livestock exported from New Zealand are sheep and cattle that are raised for dairy and meat respectively. Evidence of environmental impact of livestock agriculture included increased greenhouse gas emissions, eutrophication, nitrogen and phosphorus pollution in waterways, and soil degradation due to overgrazing and land change. In this poster, we analyze the global interconnectedness of different nations as they are all a part of the New Zealand livestock industry. We analyze to what magnitude environmental issues in New Zealand are at the fault of other nations based on their role on livestock exports. These findings support the idea that environmental impacts in one region are a global responsibility rather than the responsibility of one nation.