Greenhouse gases Essay Example for Free

Greenhouse gases Essay â€Å"Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere are often called greenhouse gases† (Environmental Protection Agency, 1). Some greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, occur naturally and are emitted into the air through natural processes and human activity. Other greenhouse gases are emitted only through human activity. These include â€Å"carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and fluorinated gases† (Environmental Protection Agency, 1). Carbon dioxide is emitted through the burning of fossil fuels as well as through solid waste and tree and wood products. Methane is emitted during the transport of coal, natural gas and oil. Nitrous oxide is emitted during agricultural and industrial activities. Fluorinated gases are emitted through a variety of industrial processes (Environmental Protection Agency, 1). These are all dangerous emissions that have a serious impact on the integrity of the environment. However, there are many natural processes that can cause an emission of greenhouse gases and these get far less attention than those associated with human activity. â€Å"Cattle numbers have more than tripled in the last ten years† (Hao, et al, 376). An analysis of the greenhouse gas emissions of these increasing cattle herds as compared to automobiles and planes is offered. The Problem with Cattle â€Å"Associated with intensification of livestock operations in an increased amount of feedlot manure produced each year† (Hao, et al, 376). Typically, cattle manure is disposed of by applying it directly to fields. â€Å"However, this has created environmental concerns† (Hao, et al, 376). Composting manure before applying it to fields has been suggested as an alternative because it â€Å"reduces odor, pathogens, weeds and fly breeding potential† (Hao, et al, 376). However, it has also been shown that composting the manure before application â€Å"contributes to emissions of greenhouse gases† (Hao, et al, 376). The process of composting the manure results in an increase in several different gases including methane and carbon dioxide. As the manure is composted, â€Å"heat is generated and the temperature of the compost increases. † As the temperature increases, greenhouse gas emissions also increase (Hao, et al, 384). Finally, â€Å"composted manure can be trucked further distances† which also adds to the overall greenhouse gas emissions associated with cattle manure (Hao, et al, 376). It is the by products of the cattle that cause a large part of the overall greenhouse gas emissions related to the livestock trade. The chemical composition of the by products are what contribute to an increase in greenhouse gases. Therefore, as cattle herds increase so does their by products which, in turn, increases gas emissions. â€Å"Globally, methane emissions from cattle are five to six percent of total emissions while nitrogen emissions are seven percent of total emissions† (Hao, et al, 37). As the cattle herds grow the amount of manure that is produces also grows and this results in an increase in overall greenhouse gas emissions over time. When manure is composted it is required to remain in one place over a long period of time. As the manure composts its temperature increases which only adds to the greenhouse gas emissions that comes from the manure Therefore, it can be shown that greenhouse gas emissions from cattle are larger than greenhouse gas emissions from automobiles and planes, particularly as the global number of cattle herds increases so does global output of methane and nitrogen. These greenhouse gas emissions are far more dangerous than the emissions from automobiles and planes. While sustainable development has received global attention it has â€Å"limited influence on the transportation sector† (Bartle, 214). While people all over the world are attempting to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by also reducing their driving and/or purchasing more efficient vehicles, the United States air industry â€Å"is unsustainable and forecasted trends suggest that this problem will get worse† (Bartle, 214). Current pollution control policies do not adequately address the issues associated with greenhouse gas emissions and airplane use. However, there are many reforms and new policies being considered in order to make air travel more sustainable while also reducing total greenhouse gas emissions during flying. While automobile and airplane travel have the capacity and ability to find new and innovative ways to reduce their overall greenhouse gas emissions, this is much more difficult for the cattle industry given the rapid increases in cattle herd size as well as manure output. Further, livestock are a leading source of greenhouse gas emissions but much more emphasis is placed on how to reduce emissions from automobiles and airplanes and much less focus is placed on how to reduce emissions within the livestock field (LA Times, 1). The cattle and livestock industry contributes more â€Å"silent and deadly emissions† than the â€Å"entire world transportation sector† (LA Times, 1). Many politicians and environmentalists do not realize the enormous problem that cattle emissions really are and often scoff at how much greenhouse gas they emit â€Å"but livestock emissions are no joke† (LA Times, 1). Further, much of the focus is placed on carbon dioxide and the majority of people do not realize the negative implications of methane and nitrous oxide – two major emissions from cattle. These two gases are more efficient at trapping heat in the environment than carbon dioxide is. Methane has â€Å"twenty-one times the potential for heat generation than carbon dioxide† does and cows can produce up to â€Å"one hundred thirty gallons† of methane per cow per day (LA Times, 1). Environmentalists tend to focus more on the greenhouse gas emissions from automobiles and planes which downplays the role of the livestock industry. At the same time, the public is not aware of the problem. Livestock, particularly cattle, are responsible for â€Å"eighteen percent of greenhouse gases worldwide – more than all the planes, trains and automobiles on the planet† (LA Times, 1). The problem appears to be getting worse. As previously mentioned the cattle herd sizes are increasing. Similarly, as living standards across the globe increase so does â€Å"a fondness for meat and dairy† (LA Times, 1). For example, meat consumption in the developing world doubled between 1980 and 2002 and it is expected to double again by 2050. â€Å"That means the environmental damage of ranching would have to be cut in half just to keep emissions at their current, dangerous level† (LA Times, 1). As more emphasis continues to be placed on the transportation sector, less emphasis is placed on the danger that the cattle emissions pose to the overall integrity of the environment. â€Å"The global livestock sector is growing faster than any other agricultural sub sector† (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 1). â€Å"It provides livelihoods to about 1. 3 billion people and contributes about 40 percent to global agricultural output and is an important â€Å"source of renewable energy (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 1). While this type of growth is certainly good for farmers and their bottom line, it has negative implications with regards to the overall integrity of the planet’s environment. As cattle herds continue to grow larger the problem is only going to get worse. Therefore, it is essential that the livestock industry be made aware of their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions so they are able to research and implement solutions that will help reduce their impact on the planet. Recommendations As mentioned previously, â€Å"the environmental costs per unit of livestock production must be cut by one half, just to avoid the level of damage worsening beyond its present level† (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 1). Manure is the primary source of greenhouse gas emissions, specifically methane and nitrous oxide. The cattle industry â€Å"generates sixty-five percent of human related nitrous oxide† which has â€Å"two hundred ninety-six times the Global Warming Potential than carbon dioxide† (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 1). The cattle industry also accounts for â€Å"thirty-seven percent of all human induced methane† which has â€Å"twenty-three times the Global Warming Potential than carbon dioxide† (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 1). These high levels of greenhouse gas emissions from the cattle industry prove the importance of changes in order to reduce the impact that cattle has on the environment. The problem also takes much of the emphasis off of carbon dioxide and places it on methane and nitrous oxide since they have much more capability for damage. One suggestion is for human beings to begin â€Å"cutting back on read meat† as this would reduce the high demand for cattle and lower overall greenhouse gas emissions (LA Times, 1). A similar effect would be reached through a reduction in overall dairy consumption. However, for health reasons this is not a popular or feasible recommendation the way that reducing red meat consumption is. Further, politicians and lobbyists are reluctant to take on the cattle industry because â€Å"it is extremely hazardous for politicians to take on the U. S. beef industry† (LA Times, 1). Therefore, researchers are being forced to develop ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions even as the demand for meat and dairy continues to increase. Cows have â€Å"four stomachs† and the â€Å"first stomach is called the rumen† and this is where the methane problem lies (LA Times, 1). â€Å"The bacteria in the rumen produce methane† that is released through both ends of the cow (LA Times, 1). Scientists are currently working on a type of feed that are more â€Å"energy efficient and generate less methane† as well as experimenting in order to â€Å"produce a less gassy breed of cattle† (LA Times, 1). As mentioned in the beginning of the paper, researchers are also scrambling to devise ways to reduce the contribution of manure to the overall greenhouse gas emission problem such as â€Å"storage methods and temperature† (LA Times, 1). This correlates with the research studies presented in the beginning of the paper because this research supports the notion that finding better storage methods and controlling the overall temperature of the manure can have a positive effect on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Conclusions The majority of attention has been placed on the role that automobiles and airplanes play in degrading the integrity of the environment. However, few people realize the negative impact that the livestock industry has on the overall quality of the environment. It is much harder to place blame on human activity associated with driving and flying and ignoring the impact that human activity with regards to eating has on the environment. As the demand for quality beef and dairy products continues to increase so will the greenhouse gases emitted by increasing numbers of cattle herds. Humans can help reduce this impact by cutting their red meat consumption and making more sustainable choices with regards to their eating habits. This can go a long way towards improving the situation while scientists work diligently towards creating a solution that will ensure that beef demands be met while also reducing overall impact on the earth. Bartle, John R. â€Å"The Sustainable Development of U. S. Air Travel. † Public Works Management and Policy 10. 3 (2006): 214 – 224. Environmental Protection Agency. â€Å"Greenhouse Gas Emissions. † 2009. 27 April 2009 http://www. epa. gov/climatechange/emissions/index. html. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. â€Å"Livestock a Major Threat to Environment. 29 Nov 2006. 27 April 2009 http://www. fao. org/newsroom/en/news/2006/1000448/index. html. Hao, Xiying; Chang, Chi; Larney, Francis J. â€Å"Carbon, Nitrogen Balances and Greenhouse Gas Emission During Cattle Feedlot Manure Composting. † Journal of Environmental Quality 33. 1 (2004): 37 – 45. Hao, Xiying; Chang, Chi; Larney, Francis J. Travis, Greg R. â€Å"Greenhouse Gas Emissions during Cattle Feedlot Manure Composting. † Journal of Environmental Quality 30. 2 (2001): 376 – 387. LA Times. â€Å"Killer Cow Emissions. † LA Times 15 Oct 2007. 27 April 2009 http://articles. latimes. com/2007/oct/15/opinion/ed-methane15.