Denmark’s radical methane tax hits farmers

Denmark is set to become the first country to impose a tax on livestock emissions in 2030, with an initial rate of 120 Danish kroner (about €16) per tonne of CO2 emissions, rising to 300 Danish kroner (about €40) in 2035. The move is aimed at reducing the country's emissions by 1.8 million tonnes of CO2 in 2030. The government views this as a significant step towards its climate target, despite criticism from farmers who view it as an unnecessary disruption. Other countries like New Zealand and Ireland have explored similar measures but with varying levels of success.

Denmark, a major exporter of pork and dairy products, will charge farmers for their livestock emissions starting in 2030. The Nordic country will be the first to tax livestock emissions to reduce methane emissions: 120 Danish kroner (about €16) per tonne of CO2 emissions will be charged to begin with, going up to 300 Danish kroner (about €40) in 2035. According to the government, this environmental reform aims to reduce Danish emissions by 1.8 million tonnes of CO2 in 2030, closing the gap towards the 2030 climate target. Danish meat has been considered by many as some of the world’s best, resulting from highly efficient and sustainable farming practices in Europe. However, Danish politicians are apparently unaware that methane emissions from sources such as landfills and oil and natural gas systems are higher than those from livestock. The press has quoted Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen as saying: “With today’s agreement, we will be the first country in the world to ...