
By levying taxes on livestock farmers for the greenhouse gases their cows, sheep, and swine emit, Denmark is planning to create a ground-breaking scheme in 2030. Taxation Minister Jeppe Bruus claims that this action will result in a 70 % reduction in Danish greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels by 2030.
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.
Methane is much more effective, trapping about 87 times more heating over a 20-year time, as noted by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, than carbon dioxide, which is usually more well known for its part in climate change. Animal, including cows, sheep, and swine, contribute substantially to gas emissions, accounting for around 32 % of individual- caused gas emissions, according to the UN Environment Program.
By 2045, Bruus emphasized Denmark’s pioneer role as the first nation to implement a true CO2 taxes on agriculture, and expressed hope that other nations did observe suit.” We will get a huge step closer to becoming climate negative,” he said.
Denmark’s action follows weeks of protests by farmers across Europe against culture change laws, which they argue harm their lives. The Danish Society for Nature Conservation praised the duty deal as “historical compromise,” calling it “historical compromise” and predicting a reorganized food industry after 2030.
The plan is pending approval in Denmark’s legislature, the Folketing, where it is expected to pass with wide support.
( with input from agencies )