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Within the context of global change, livestock production is undergoing major restructuring. For several decades, demand for animal products has been rising sharply. This "livestock revolution", together with expansion of land cultivated for food and feed, has exacerbated human pressure on land and natural resources. Ruminant livestock farming is one of the most heavily criticised sectors, notably for its significant contribution to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (12% of total emissions) and its role in degrading sensitive environments (desertification in the Sahel, deforestation in Amazonia). In addition to being a simple factor in reducing the environmental impact of food systems and, in particular, in adjusting GHG emissions, the productive purposes of livestock grazing systems and agro-pastoral systems are now being widely revisited. It is no longer just a question of ensuring food security, but of considering the many services provided by this activity, which is also heavily impacted by climate change. It is a complex question, and we need to go beyond simplistic visions and solutions. To contribute to the debate, we examine the major developments in the various types of livestock sector over the last few decades, particularly the ruminant sector, and the ir impacts on climate change. Then we propose to debate the controversies linked to the need to reduce emissions, which have made livestock farming a particularly problematic environmental and social issue. What are the options for sustainable grazing systems, combining adaptation to climate change with mitigation? What is the future of grazing livestock under the influence of intensifying and accelerating climate change? In order to facilitate transformation of the livestock sector, it is essential to reconsider the evaluation metrics used to assess the sector's impact on nature and its sources. This will enable a more comprehensive and detailed understanding of this sector, which will in turn inform its future development.