Denmark is set to introduce a groundbreaking policy in 2030 by taxing livestock farmers for the greenhouse gases emitted by their cows, sheep, and pigs. This move aims to achieve a 70% reduction in Danish greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by 2030, according to Taxation Minister Jeppe Bruus.
Starting at 300 kroner ($43) per ton of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2030, the tax will gradually rise to 750 kroner ($108) by 2035.However, due to a 60% income tax deduction, the effective cost per ton will begin at 120 kroner ($17.3) and increase to 300 kroner by 2035.
While carbon dioxide typically garners more attention for its role in climate change, methane is far more potent, trapping about 87 times more heat over a 20-year period, as noted by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Livestock, including cows, sheep, and pigs, contribute significantly to methane emissions, accounting for approximately 32% of human-caused methane emissions, according to the UN Environment Program.
“We will take a big step closer to becoming climate neutral by 2045,” Bruus stated, emphasizing Denmark’s pioneering role as the first country to implement a genuine CO2 tax on agriculture and expressing hope that other nations will follow suit.
Denmark’s initiative follows months of protests by farmers across Europe against climate change regulations, which they argue threaten their livelihoods. The Danish Society for Nature Conservation hailed the tax agreement as “a historic compromise,” foreseeing a restructured food industry beyond 2030.
The policy is pending approval in Denmark’s parliament, the Folketing, where it is expected to pass with broad support.
( with input from agencies)
Starting at 300 kroner ($43) per ton of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2030, the tax will gradually rise to 750 kroner ($108) by 2035.However, due to a 60% income tax deduction, the effective cost per ton will begin at 120 kroner ($17.3) and increase to 300 kroner by 2035.
While carbon dioxide typically garners more attention for its role in climate change, methane is far more potent, trapping about 87 times more heat over a 20-year period, as noted by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Livestock, including cows, sheep, and pigs, contribute significantly to methane emissions, accounting for approximately 32% of human-caused methane emissions, according to the UN Environment Program.
“We will take a big step closer to becoming climate neutral by 2045,” Bruus stated, emphasizing Denmark’s pioneering role as the first country to implement a genuine CO2 tax on agriculture and expressing hope that other nations will follow suit.
Denmark’s initiative follows months of protests by farmers across Europe against climate change regulations, which they argue threaten their livelihoods. The Danish Society for Nature Conservation hailed the tax agreement as “a historic compromise,” foreseeing a restructured food industry beyond 2030.
The policy is pending approval in Denmark’s parliament, the Folketing, where it is expected to pass with broad support.
( with input from agencies)
