Possible solutions to global warming
Dear Editor:
Global warming, if true, would be a natural phenomenon. As I understand it, methane gas is a large, if not the largest, contributor to the problem.
Methane is a natural ingredient in our atmosphere. It's source is world wide. Now, with that little tidbit of information, let's look at what I believe could be the some of the best cures for this problem.
To fix a problem, you first must know the sources of the ingredients causing the problem. As stated, methane is natural and the sources are geological from the earth such as gas, oil, coal deposits, etc.; all animal flatulence and this includes aquatic creatures; humans. The last probably should have been included in the generic animal sub-category — human activities such as various manufacturing processes, energy production/consumption, landfills and a variety of others.
Now that we have identified the major sources of causes, let's look at some possible solutions.
1) Geological: I do not know of anything we can do there other than tap it for an energy source.
2) Animal flatulence: Now this is a big one and where do we start. We can cease all domestic animal (including dogs, cats, birds, goldfish) husbandry and rely on nature to provide the animal products we need. Of course the "Where's the beef" group would have to take up hunting and that opens up wholly different cans of worms. But then hunting would result in a return of domestication as it would be a whole bunch easier to pen up the wildlife so it would be easier to catch/hunt.
3) Human flatulence: Again, this is a natural process. I can think of only two remedies here. First, a very strict mandatory birth control, allowing only a one for one replacement. Second, cut back on the number of politicians. Keep only those that would realistically work for solutions instead of spending our taxes for non-essential items. These would not stop the natural processes but there sure would be a lot less "hot air," especially from the government!
4) Human activities: A huge variety of solutions can be and have been thought of. Probably the biggest issue here is land ills. If any of you have been to the landfill lately, you will see what a wasteful society we have become. Since 2009, landfills have produced 17+ percent of all methane produced world wide. (Source: U.S. EPA) We need to start a worldwide realistic recycling program. There are several programs here: clean burning for energy; reuse for same product; refine new products; perfectly good items donated to needy programs, etc.
I know I have not offered an entire list of corrections for the enumerated issues but I think it is a start.
Larry M. Head
Hotchkiss