In a new episode of Dairy on the Air, Dr. Frank Mitloehner, animal science professor and air quality specialist at the University of California, Davis, shares insights to paint an accurate, positive picture of the dairy industry’s contributions to greenhouse gas emissions.

During the podcast conversation with podcast host Andy Vance, Mitloehner explains how dairy cows contribute only 1.2 percent of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. What’s more, methane-the type of GHG which cows emit-has a lifespan of only 10 years, compared to that of GHG carbon dioxide, which is a GHG emitted by fossil fuels and has a lifespan of 1,000 years.

He claims GHGs are dairy farmers’ achilles heel and urges them to be more vocal about the GHG reductions they’ve made as well as their commitment to further reduce them by 25 percent in 2020. He also calls for more fact-sharing to dispel the myths spread by animal activists who claim a vegan diet is the most sustainable. To gather more facts, listen to the full episode and follow Mitloehner on Twitter @GHGGuru.

Dairy on the Air is a monthly podcast. Find all episodes online at MidwestDairy.com or on podcast platforms including iTunes, iHeartRadio, Google Play, Stitcher, Spotify and more.