Denmark is making a groundbreaking move towards environmental sustainability by introducing the world's first carbon tax on livestock. This unique measure is part of the Scandinavian nation's ambitious plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045.
Starting in 2030, methane emissions from cattle and pigs will be taxed at a rate of 300 kroner ($43) per tonne of CO2 equivalent. This unit of measurement standardizes the climate impact of various greenhouse gases, ensuring a consistent approach to reducing emissions.
The tax is set to increase to 750 kroner ($107.5) per tonne by 2035, according to an agreement reached in June between the government, opposition parties, and representatives from the livestock farming, industry, and trade unions sectors.
Before implementation, the proposed legislation will undergo parliamentary approval after the summer, marking a significant step forward in Denmark's climate strategy.
Christian Fromberg, a campaign leader at Greenpeace Nordic, expressed cautious optimism about the initiative. \"The text offers hope … in a situation where a lot of countries are backpedaling on climate action,\" Fromberg said. While he praised the tax as a milestone, he also noted that it could have been higher and implemented sooner.
Despite this progress, Fromberg highlighted a "missed opportunity" to redirect Danish agriculture towards more sustainable practices. He pointed out that current farming methods in Denmark are highly intensive and result in significant nitrogen discharges, which deoxygenate water bodies and threaten marine ecosystems.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
