Sir, – Is it possible to have an honest debate about greenhouse gas emissions and the role methane makes to our overall GHG emissions?
Some 37 per cent of all GHG emissions come from the agri sector with 68 per cent directly attributable to methane. The vast majority of this methane is produced by ruminant livestock. Teagasc, the agri advisory agency, is exploring a number of solutions that include dietary management, improved animal health and changes to both animal breeding and the age of slaughter. While these proposals may be of assistance they ignore the glaringly obvious solution of a reduction in the herd number which is not even contemplated.
I have to ask – is the national herd our sacred cow ?
– Yours, etc,
PAUL WALSH,
Skerries, Co Dublin.