Name: Louise W.
Status: Student
Age: 20s
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: July 17, 2003
Question:
Despite the grotesque deforestation for cattle farming, I wonder if you could
tell me if the methane produced by the animals while living is thought to be a significant
contributor to global warming.
Replies:
Dear Louise-
There are many sources for methane, with livestock production making up a significant
fraction of the total methane production from anthropogenic sources. The EPA estimates
that, for the U.S., about 25 percent of the total methane generated from anthropogentic
sources comes from domesticated livestock and their manure. Here are a couple of good
web sites concerning
methane production:
Methane only comprises about 13 percent of the 4 greenhouse gases along with water vapor
that create the natural greenhouse effect. Carbon dioxide comprises about 76 percent of
the total. Here is another link you might find useful:
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