Summary
Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) were seeking to quantify greenhouse gas emissions of Better Cotton and
comparable production to help inform their 2030 strategy. This study has calculated that, based on the data
provided, on average Better Cotton production across China, India, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Turkey has a
lower emissions intensity per tonne lint than comparison production by 19%. Over half of the difference in
emissions performance between Better Cotton and comparison production was due to difference in
emissions from fertiliser production. A further 28% of the difference was because of emissions from irrigation.
A separate piece of analysis was undertaken to assess emissions from Better Cotton (or recognised
equivalent) production across Brazil, China, India, Pakistan, and USA. Together production in these countries
constitute over 80% of licensed Better Cotton global production and have average annual GHG emissions of
8.74 million tonnes carbon dioxide equivalents to produce 2.98 million tonnes lint – equating to 2.93 tonnes
carbon dioxide equivalents per tonne lint produced. The largest emissions hotspot was found to be fertiliser
production which accounted for 47% of total emissions from Better Cotton production. Irrigation and fertiliser
application were found to be significant drivers of emissions.
Reductions in GHG emissions are possible through efficiency improvements through reduced use of inputs
(primarily synthetic fertilisers and water), the adoption of land management practices to sequester carbon in
soils, and the use of renewable energy sources. The collection of additional information from Better Cotton
farmers will help improve the accuracy of future emissions quantification projects.