Denmark's Tax on Livestock Carbon Emissions

SOURCE www.npr.org
Denmark will tax livestock farmers for the greenhouse gases emitted by their cows, sheep, and pigs starting in 2030 to reduce methane emissions. The tax will increase gradually to incentivize emission reduction.

Key Points

  • Denmark aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70% from 1990 levels by 2030
  • Livestock account for about 32% of human-caused methane emissions
  • The tax will start at 300 kroner per ton of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2030 and increase to 750 kroner by 2035

Pros

  • Reduces greenhouse gas emissions from livestock
  • Encourages farmers to adopt more sustainable practices
  • Sets a global example for addressing methane emissions

Cons

  • May increase costs for livestock farmers
  • Could lead to resistance from the agricultural industry
  • Impact on food prices and agricultural economy