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Livestock, Climate Change, and Attacks on a Scientist - Dr. Frank Mitloehner

Dr. Frank Mitloener is an expert in the contributions of livestock to climate change. He is a researcher that studies ways to mitigate the greenhouse gases from ruminant digestion, and a trusted expert in outreach to ensure the implementation of new strategies. In the first part of today's podcast Dr. Mitloener talks about the impacts of cattle on climate change and new strategies to decrease that impact. In the second half we discuss a targeted effort between Greenpeace and the New York Times to paint Dr. Mitloener's work in a negative light, providing the perception of malfeasance and industry influence-- where no evidence of such claims exists.

Nov 5, 2022 by Dr. Kevin Folta in Talking Biotech

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Animal agriculture contributes greenhouse gases that can influence climate change. One source in particular is cattle, as ruminant livestock produce methane from their specialized digestion, which is an especially potent greenhouse gas. Dr. Frank Mitloehner of the University of California Davis is an air quality expert in the area of ruminant biology. His research examines ways to mitigate the impact of livestock on climate, and his outreach efforts ensure that the information reaches the farmers and ranchers that can employ these strategies. In today's podcast we discuss the role of livestock in animal agriculture, as well as how he communicates new researchers to stakeholders. In the second half, we discuss an article in the New York Times that specifically targets Dr. Mitloehner, suggesting that big-money-industry taints his research and outreach outcomes. This baseless attack on a scientist's reputation is unsubstantiated by evidence, yet is penetrating, visible media clearly designed to harm a trusted public scientist and scholar. We discuss the impacts and how to scientists push through baseless allegations.

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