A group of farmers-turned-environmentalists here at a smelly but impeccably clean research farm have a new take on making a silk purse from a sow’s ear: They cook manure from their 3,000 pigs to capture the methane trapped within it, and then use the gas to make electricity for the local power grid. Full Story »
Posted by Derek Hawkins
Fascinating story on farm emissions and how to reduce them worldwide. A broad and informative read that looks at local and global components of the issue. Although this is for the most part science journalism, it covers aspects of policy and business, making for a rich and interesting read. Recommended.
This is not an investigative story, and I was not expecting one. I think it’s accessible to readers at any level. The writer has framed the story around farmers who are doing something to reduce their carbon footprint: recycling waste (manure) to produce electricity for local use. Politicians are discussing about the problem this week. This story is focused in one area: methane emission and explores all the reasons why consuming meats is a “sin” to our bodies and the eco-system. But the writer is also fair and balanced by exposing both sides. She drives the point in a concise and clear manner. The writer does at one-point give her opinion instead of reporting: “While the global economic downturn may slow the ... More »
I would recommend everyone to read the article. This is an issue I have been hearing for over a decade, and sadly it has gotten worse. The issue is real, though some dispute it.
This is a very meaty story, with only enough flatus to provide color (and odor.) The statement that animals generate more greenhouse gases than cars, buses, and airplanes helps set the tone for the importance of the piece, but perhaps the statement could be better sourced and referenced. Quite informative, if you have not already been much in the councils of vegetarians.
No mention is made of the similar effects from the human animals. The move of the recent generations toward being vegetarian and vegan suggests the move toward higher meat consumption is not an inevitable movement. The effects of prophylactic antibiotics from modern meat production factories is another worthy related topic. Reduction of the human population load on the planet would also reduce meat consumption.
The trillions of farm animals around the world generate 18 percent of the emissions that are raising global temperatures, according to United Nations estimates, more even ... More »
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