Red Meat And Global Warming

(CBS)  This column was written by CBS News Early Show co-anchor Harry Smith.

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You are aware, no doubt, that the rate of global warming has accelerated to the point where the Canadian government has released plans to build a waterskiing resort in the once perpetually frozen Northwest Passage.

That's a joke. But it is getting hot in here, and one of the causes is red meat.

We humans love our animal protein, and all those steers out there waiting to become Burger King Whoppers pass a lot of gas. And according to some experts, the methane that comes out of the bovine behind is especially bad for the environment.

It has been suggested by some we eat less red meat to alleviate the problem. Others propose the animals be given garlic to curb the gaseous outbursts.

Now comes news that the Siberian tundra is thawing, and as it warms up it is releasing into the air the methane gas from formerly frozen mastodon waste.

A scientist there believes more gas will come out of the tundra than the entire global oil reserve. And that is one serious fart.

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Harry's daily commentary can be heard on many CBS Radio News affiliates across the country.