London - global warming means UHT milk for all ...

You might think it's some bizarre scheme to control flatulence in cows.

But it's actually an attempt to reduce commercial refrigeration.

Excerpt from News.com.au:

Save the world: buy UHT milk

15 October 2007

Britons may be banned from drinking "traditional milk" in favour of the long-life variety in order to save the environment, according to a government strategy.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in London has recommended the use of long-life UHT milk to limit commercial refrigeration, The Times has reported.

The newspaper said officials have developed a long term goal to reduce the amount of carbon emissions caused by refrigerated milk. They aim to have long-life milk make up 90 per cent of the market by 2020.

It has been reported that 93 per cent of milk sold in Britain was the “traditional” fresh type.

According to The Times, a strategy paper has already been sent to dairy industry officials suggesting the changes.

“Retail and domestic refrigeration is an area with the potential for significant impact reduction,” the paper reportedly said.

“The milk chain should enhance the development, marketing and placement of UHT milk products.”

The move could see less refrigeration by outlets, but consumers will still have to cool the milk in fridges once the carton has been opened.

See - Climate change to result in fresh milk ban.

So, in 13 years, they hope to cut 93% fresh milk consumption to just 10%.

Do you think they've considered the energy use in the UHT process ...