Now evidence has emerged that the figure was “grossly underestimated†and a new report by the Worldwatch Institute has remade the calculations. The report, called Livestock and Climate Change, concludes that livestock’s contribution to greenhouse emissions actually accounts for 51% of the total. That’s nearly three times the previously estimated figure.
“Recent analysis by Robert Goodland and Jeff Anhang finds that livestock and their byproducts actually account for at least 32.6 billion tons of carbon dioxide per year, or 51 percent of annual worldwide GHG emissionsâ€, the organization says on its website.
The report can be downloaded for free here. Treehugger has published a breakdown of the factors that explain why livestock is such a major polluter. The popular green blog concludes: “The overall message can really be boiled down to this: One of the cheapest and most effective ways of mitigating climate change is eating far less meat and dairy or (better yet) eating none and adopting a full vegetarian or vegan diet. It’s going to take a cultural shift to do this, to be sure, but the effect is huge.â€
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At any rate, solar power is still the way to go because it does no harm to the environment and is low-priced.
1. It won’t require us to disturb ecological systems.
2. It requires the aid of the sun which, until it dies in the next, oh say, billion years, is limitless.
3. It’s cool. Makes our homes look like robots but live like plants!
What is true is that approx. 51% of the population refuses to believe there is such a thing as climate change. The reason for that is that they have been faced with unscientific reports such as this one that make claims that are completely rediculous. Take a proper look at such reports before expounding their virtues. Even the 18% figure streteches credibility.
Dave
Over 60 billion animals get slaughtered every year, worldwide. It’s obvious that the only way to sustain our planet is to become a vegan society.
I think one valid reason why these people don’t believe in climate change is their refusal to accept change. Some people have come to get used to the conventional way of energy- that which harms the environment. I think people should have a positive mindset when it comes to these issues and the actions taken to curb the problem of climate change- mind you, it exists.
Scotty, I think being a vegan is ok. But to force people into something they don’t want is-well- arbitrary. I respect your opinion, I do, but I think we should just go ahead and use livestock waste and turn it into a viable energy source. At least we’ll be lessening emissions count. Besides, culturally speaking, I don’t think all peoples will want to become a vegan society.
By visiting http://www.51percent.org you help get the message to EPA officials and environment ministers visiting Copenhagen.