[asa] Cows, diet, and warming

Here's an attempt to inject something constructive and practical into our
current discussion about global warming.
 
It has been pointed out that methane from cattle plays a not-insignificant
role in the human-caused increase in greenhouse gases. So, it makes sense
that those of us Christians who care about stewardship of God's creation might
at least consider this in making dietary choices. But one does not want to
make knee-jerk changes without practical effect (especially since some of my
wife's relatives make their living from cattle ranching ...). So, I have two
questions where I hope somebody here can supply (or point to) some practical
information that can inform our stewardship:
 
1) Is this methane emission issue unique to cattle? Or do other animals
(pigs, chickens, etc.) also produce methane? If I eat pork or chicken instead
of beef, will that reduce greenhouse gases, or not?
 
2) What is the relative importance of beef consumption to dairy consumption
in this issue? Can I find a number for how much methane emission corresponds
to one pound of beef, versus how much corresponds to a gallon of milk?
 
Allan
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Dr. Allan H. Harvey, Boulder, Colorado | SteamDoc@aol.com
"Any opinions expressed here are mine, and should not be
attributed to my employer, my wife, or my cat"

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Received on Sat Jan 6 19:52:19 2007