A free webinar June 11 debunks myths over the role of agriculture in greenhouse gas production.

University of California-Davis associate professor and air quality specialist Frank Mitloehner says public confusion over meat and milk’s role in climate change comes down to two sentences in the executive summary of a 2006 United Nations report, “Livestock’s Long Shadow.”

It says the livestock sector is responsible for 18% of greenhouse gas emissions measured in CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalents), a higher share than transport.

Those statements are untrue. But wide distribution has led Americans down the wrong path to solutions. U.S. experts agree cattle and pig production account for about 3% of all greenhouse gas emissions, while transportation creates an estimated 26%, he says.

He will present his views, “Animal Ag’s Role in Greenhouse Gas Production: A Closer Look,” during the webinar which starts at 1:30 p.m. central time. Before or after the webcast, ask questions, post comments, upload photos or share experiences at http://animalag.ning.com. Click on “discussion” to start.

The webinar is open to anyone wanting to learn more about greenhouse gas emissions, part of eXtension’s Livestock and Poultry Environmental Learning Center monthly webcast series. More information is on the eXtension site: http://www.extension.org.