The first ever cow emission tax is enacted in Denmark

A large majority of political parties in the Danish parliament have agreed on how to implement the so-called "Green Tripartite Alliance" agreement, after months of uncertainty and rumors.

From 2030, Danish farmers will have to pay about $ 43 per ton of methane gas produced by their cows, following the approval of the world's first tax on agricultural emissions.

The "Green Tripartite Alliance" agreement was announced last June. Now, Denmark has set a world first by taking this pioneering step that has been under negotiation between the country's main parties, farmers, industry, trade unions and environmental groups for several months.

The ambitious plan aims to transform Denmark's agricultural sector while strengthening cooperation between the parties involved.

From 2030, Danish farmers will have to pay 300 kroner ($43, £34) per tonne of methane emissions. The tax will rise to 750 kroner by 2035, putting Denmark at the forefront of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from livestock, including cows and pigs.

Green Alliance Minister Jeppe Bros stressed the urgency of the move to meet Denmark’s climate goals. “We will do what it takes to reach our climate goals,” he said, citing the broad parliamentary support the initiative has received.

In addition to reducing methane, the agreement includes major measures to address nitrogen pollution, which has severely affected Denmark’s fjords, long, narrow coastal water bodies with steep, high sides.

Nitrogen emissions are expected to fall by 13,780 tonnes per year by 2027, according to AFP.

The plan also focuses on restoring biodiversity and expanding natural habitats. Plans include planting 250,000 hectares of new forests and rehabilitating 140,000 hectares of wetlands (or marshes) currently under cultivation.

Wetlands, known for their ability to store carbon, will play a crucial role in Denmark’s efforts to restore the environment.

“The Danish landscape will change in ways we haven’t seen since the wetlands were drained in 1864,” said Bruce.

Source: Interesting Engineering - https://ar.rt.com/ys85 - Published on 27-11-2024