Greenhouse gas emissions and the mitigation potential of using animal wastes in Asia

Developing countries of Asia account for most of the world's animal population. The animal wastes produced annually in these countries constitute a major source of methane and other greenhouse gases (GHG). For 23 countries of Asia, we estimate that 17,730 Gg of CH4, 1,290,000 Gg of CO2 and 179 Gg of N2O are emitted from animal wastes. Using the biogas that can be produced from recoverable animal wastes as a substitute for kerosene in cooking will reduce net GHG emissions by 53.1, 19.5 and 61.1% for CH4, CO2 and N2O, respectively. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.