Citing data from a 2006 United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) report, the article concludes that:

• Pound for pound, beef production generates greenhouse gases (GHG) that contribute more than 13 times as much to global warming as do the gases emitted from producing chicken. For potatoes, the multiplier is 57.

• Current meat production levels contribute between 14 and 22 percent of the 36 billion tons of CO2 equivalent greenhouse gases the world produces each year.

• Producing half a pound of hamburger releases as much greenhouse gas into the atmosphere as driving a 3,000-pound car nearly 10 miles.

So, how does beef production generate so much GHG?

• Cows emit 2.5-2.7 ounces of methane for each pound of beef they produce. Methane has about 23 times the global-warming potential of CO2, so these emissions are equivalent to producing 3.6-6.8 pounds of CO2 for each pound of beef.

• Raising animals requires feed, and grain farming emits GHG.

• Cattle farms produce wastes that generate GHG.

Read the full article here. Take your green steps as 1000 Green Steps always suggest you!