In a world first, Denmark has unveiled plans to tax livestock farmers for greenhouse gas emissions from their animals starting in 2030 (via NBC News).
This move aims to tackle a major source of methane emissions and propel the European country towards its ambitious climate goals.
The global food system, including livestock farming, is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. According to OurWorldinData, food production accounts for about 26% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with livestock and fisheries responsible for 31% of food-related emissions.
Pigs are pictured in a barn at the farm of Lars Johnson outside the town of Lynge, Denmark, on June 15, 2023. Denmark experiences an extended period of dry weather with the warmest temperatures so far this year. Photo by SERGEI GAPON/AFP via Getty Images
World's First Livestock Emissions Tax
NBC News reports that the Danish government's primary objective is to slash greenhouse gas emissions by 70% from 1990 levels by 2030.
From 2030, Danish farmers will face a tax of 300 kroner ($43) per ton of carbon dioxide equivalent, rising to 750 kroner ($108) by 2035.
However, a 60% income tax deduction will soften the financial blow, resulting in an actual cost of 120 kroner ($17.3) per ton in 2030, increasing to 300 kroner by 2035.
According to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, methane traps about 87 times more heat than carbon dioxide over 20 years. The UN Environment Program reports that livestock accounts for approximately 32% of human-caused methane emissions globally.
Denmark's tax agreement emerged from negotiations between the center-right government, farmers' representatives, industry, and unions. This broad consensus bodes well for the bill's passage in the 179-seat Folketing parliament.
The Danish Society for Nature Conservation hailed the agreement as "a historic compromise," with its head, Maria Reumert Gjerding, noting its potential to restructure the food industry beyond 2030.
While Denmark leads the way, other countries are exploring similar measures. New Zealand had previously passed a 'burp tax' law for a 2025 roll out but repealed it following farmer protests and a change in government.
They are now looking for alternative methods to reduce methane emissions without including agriculture in their emissions trading scheme.
Denmark's initiative comes amid ongoing farmer protests across Europe against climate change mitigation measures. As a major dairy and pork exporter, Denmark faces unique challenges.
A typical Danish cow produces six metric tons of CO2 equivalent annually, with the country housing nearly 1.5 million cows as of mid-2022. Livestock, in general, make up more than 14% of global greenhouse gas emissions
In Other News
China has reportedly harvested wheat from a 400-hectare plot in the Taklimakan Desert, effectively turning arid areas into productive agricultural land.
This project is now considered China's largest pure-desert wheat field. It is located in Makit County, Kashgar Prefecture, within the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
