Life-cycle assessment studies assess the impact associated with all the stages of a product’s life: from raw material extraction through materials processing, manufacture, distribution, use, repair and maintenance, and disposal or recycling.

Monica Radulescu, an environmental scientist working in Windsor with the consulting firm Conestoga-Rovers and Associates, will discuss the use of these studies to examine beef production in a free public lecture entitled “From Algal Blooms to Cow Farts: The Environmental Impact of Eating Beef,” Wednesday at Canada South Science City.

A landmark study undertaken for the Alberta government quantitatively benchmarked the effects of beef production in that province—on global warming, eutrophication, acidification and non-renewable energy resources.

Dr. Radulescu’s October 15 lecture is part of the Science Café series. Sponsored by the Faculty of Science, the series offers discussion of important science research for the general public. Her presentation will begin at 7:30 p.m. Canada South Science City is located at 930 Marion Avenue.