Cows 'do more harm than cars', says UN
13 April 2012
Cows generate more greenhouse gases than all forms of transport combined, a United Nations report has revealed.
The methane and carbon dioxide they produce is killing off vast tracts of forest and coral reefs, contributing to acid rain and destroying fragile ecosystems.
The study, called Livestock's Long Shadow, warns that drastic action is needed.
Its author, Henning Steinfeld, said: "Livestock are one of the most significant contributors to today's most serious environmental problems.
"Urgent action is needed to remedy the situation. The environmental costs per unit of livestock production must be cut by half just to avoid the level of damage worsening beyond its present level."
