Denmark has announced plans to introduce a groundbreaking carbon tax on livestock emissions, becoming the first country worldwide to take this step.
Starting in 2030, Danish farmers will face a tax of 300 kroner (£34) per tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), which will gradually increase to 750 kroner (£85) per tonne by 2035.
The tax aims to tackle methane emissions from cows, sheep and pigs, which are potent greenhouse gases contributing significantly to global warming.
Despite carbon dioxide typically receiving more attention, methane’s heat-trapping capability over 20 years is approximately 87 times stronger, according to scientists.
Denmark’s Tax Minister Jeppe Bruus said: “With the agreement, we will reach our climate goals in 2030 and we will take a big step closer to becoming climate neutral in 2045.
“We will be the first country in the world to introduce a real carbon tax on agriculture. Other countries will be inspired by it.
“The agreement shows how much we can achieve when we come together across party colours and interests to find joint solutions to one of the greatest challenges of our time.”
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