Livestock are responsible for 14.5 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions.

Burger King announced earlier this week that they were taking steps to address the issue of methane emissions from cows—livestock are responsible for 14.5 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions, according to the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization.

The company is working with top scientists to create and implement a new diet, designed to lessen the methane emissions. The formula involves adding lemongrass to the cows’ diets during their last four months, which will then help them release less methane during digestion. Called the "Reduced Methane Emissions Beef Whopper," it will be made from the cows that have eaten the special diet.

The Reduced Methane Emissions Beef Whopper will be available at select locations this week, including Miami, New York, Austin, Portland, and Los Angeles. Burgers will be served while supplies last.

Burger King also released a silly yet informative video about the new efforts, and why they are taking this issue seriously:

As they say, "cow farts & burps are no laughing matter. they release methane, contributing to climate change. that’s why we’re working to change our cows’ diet by adding lemongrass to reduce their emissions by approximately 33%."

The hope is that, along with reducing the environmental impact of bovine methane emissions, this move will inspire other companies to follow a similar path. 

Does all this talk of cow farts, greenhouse gases, and low emission diets make you hungry? Will you try one of the new Reduced Methane Emissions Beef Whoppers, if you can? Give us the details in the comments.