>Douglas Landrum" wrote:
>
>Ah, yes, the methane problem, I do not believe that methane itself
>causes much of a problem with global warming. Methane converts to CO2
>when ignited. Methane does not last long on the LUG, there are too
>many flames. Does the LUG contribute to global warming by burning all
>hydrocarbons?
>
>=======================================================================
>
>The following is true and is NOT meant as an insult to Australians. I
>once read, in a newspaper article, that Australians were being urged to
>include more salad and fruit in their diet because the preponderance of
>meat was causing flatulence, which contributed to global warming!
>
>Regards,
>
>=====
>Ray
Methane is around 250 times more effective than CO2 as a greenhouse gas, I
think (can't be bothered to go check the exact factor!
Flatus is approximately two-thirds CO2 and one-third methane - the product
of anaerobic decomposition. That's why it can only be ignited in air (the
flame cannot retreat up the orifice, contrary to urban myth).
The main agricultural contributors are rice paddies in Asia during the
flooded phase and the colonic gaseous products of herbivores, such as
cattle and sheep. Given the huge numbers of cattle and sheep in
Australasia, this IS a significant contributor. I believe that one-third of
New Zealand's contribution to the Greenhouse Effect is from sheep flatus.
Consequently, the Kiwi's are considering vaccinating sheep to reduce
emissions.
This would indicate that vegetarians are far more significant greenhouse
gas producers - the quantities and odours produced by a diet rich in pulses
is ample evidence. Healthy but tuneful. Avoid bean salad and durian?
AndrewF
Enthusiastic and unrepentant carnivore.
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