UN backtracks on emissions report

Cows rather than trucks and planes were blamed for more greenhouse gas emissions in a landmark 2006 United Nations report that the UN was forced to refute this week. The study claimed the production chain for milk and meat products was responsible for 18% of greenhouse gases that have been linked to global warming, more than the transportation sector. But the methodology was all wrong, researchers now say. In press reports University of California researcher Dr. Frank Mitloehner says the study was flawed because it calculated greenhouse gases from milk and meat production differently than transportation green house gas production, resulting in “an apples and oranges analogy that truly confused the issue.” The report factored in all energy used to clear forests for cattle grazing through milk and meat production and delivery of products to stores. Also considered were the cow’s own “emissions”. Only emissions produced through the consumption of fossil fuels were considered as contributors to the transport industry’s greenhouse gas production. If the data were to be consistent, other inputs into the transportation of goods, including energy used to manufacture and maintain land and air vehicles, would have to be factored in.