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I've been hearing about an initiative in Australia to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Tell me more.

In short, Australia's capital city, Canberra, has proposed a new scheme to decrease the numbers of wild camels out there.

What have camels got to do with global warming?

They produce and emit an enormous amount of methane into the atmosphere, which is even more damaging than carbon dioxide.

How much are we talking?

First know that ruminant livestock are responsible for 28 per cent of the world's methane emissions, producing more than 80 million metric tonnes annually. And if you thought that cows produce a lot, about 80 to 110 kilograms each year, then hang on to your seat. In one year, the amount of methane a camel produces is equivalent to a tonne of carbon dioxide.

I can hardly believe it! How many camels are there in Australia?

More than 1.2 million. The number doubles every nine years, and as they can live for as long as 50 years the problem will only worsen if nothing is done. Especially as the so called 'ships of the desert' have no natural predator.

So what is being proposed?

The 'Carbon Farming Initiative', which is currently being discussed in parliament and which is expected to be passed, will reduce numbers by killing some of the camels, and in return the government will give carbon credits, being that a dead camel can no longer produce the vast amounts of methane.

They may struggle, camels can run pretty fast!

They can indeed. The desert wanderers, despite their slightly gormless image, can reach speeds of up to 40 kilometers an hour. However snipers will travel in helicopters and four-by-fours, if and when the initiative is passed, and I think you can guess who would win.

As big hairy animals go though, they are fairly docile.

If they are not thirsty, then perhaps! However the Australian's would say different. Not only have the camels been destroying vegetation, the beasts have allegedly attacked the locals, as well as damaging buildings in the quest for water. 'If everyone knew what they were doing, people would be more concerned, especially when they start coming into town and kicking down your toilet,' said Tim Moore of Adelaide-based Northwest Carbon, in an interview with the Financial Times.

Oh... ok well I put my hands up, I had no idea! Something really does need to be done then.

You said it. And as a writer for the Revolution daily news, known as 'pjwalker911' , put it: 'Farting Death Camels Must Die To Save The World!'

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