Denmark is making history by introducing the world's first carbon tax on livestock, a groundbreaking move aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by 2045. Starting in 2030, methane emissions from cattle and pigs will be taxed at 300 kroner ($43) per tonne of CO2 equivalent. This rate is set to increase to 750 kroner ($107.5) by 2035.
The agreement, reached in June, involves the government, opposition parties, and representatives from livestock farming, industry, and trade unions. While the new tax is a significant step forward, it still awaits approval from parliament, which is set to review it after the summer.
Christian Fromberg, a campaign leader at Greenpeace Nordic, expressed cautious optimism: \"The text offers hope … in a situation where a lot of countries are backpedaling on climate action. 🌱\" However, he also highlighted some concerns, mentioning a \"missed opportunity\" to revolutionize Danish agriculture, which remains highly intensive and contributes to nitrogen discharge, harming marine life.
Despite these challenges, Denmark's initiative is being celebrated as a pivotal moment in the global fight against climate change, setting a precedent for other nations to follow. 🌟
