YOUR TEXAS AGRICULTURE MINUTE

CNN targets beef in climate change

By Gene Hall

Delicious. But dangerous.

That’s CNN’s conclusion in a recent report—let me say a very biased report—about beef’s contribution to climate change.

It goes to great lengths to explain that methane from cow burps is the culprit for what’s wrong with the environment. It suggests that Americans should become “climate carnivores” by treating beef as a treat. In other words, replace most of the beef you eat with non-methane burping animals like chicken or with vegetables.

That’s baloney. Beef baloney.

According to EPA, methane from beef cattle accounts for just 1.5 percent of total U.S. greenhouse emissions. In comparison, electricity generation accounts for 33 percent, transportation 26 percent and industrial use 11 percent.

1.5 percent? Really?

Maybe CNN needs a self-investigation. I wonder if they’ve measured the effect on climate change of the hot air they’re blowing? 

The preceding commentary is brought to you by Texas Farm Bureau, the “Voice of Texas Agriculture.” Called “Your Texas Agriculture Minute,” TFB will issue thought-provoking editorials each week—via print and audio—to spark understanding of agriculture in the Lone Star State and its impact on each and every Texan.

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