Gassy Cows and Pigs Will Face Carbon Tax in Denmark from 2030
Denmark is poised to lead the charge in environmental policy with a groundbreaking initiative: implementing a carbon tax specifically targeting emissions from livestock. Starting in 2030, Danish farmers will be held accountable for the greenhouse gases emitted by their cows, sheep, and pigs—a move aimed squarely at reducing methane emissions, one of the most potent contributors to global warming. The tax structure is designed ambitiously to align with Denmark's commitment to slashing greenhouse gas emissions by 70% from 1990 levels by 2030. Initially set at 300 kroner ($43) per ton of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2030, the tax will escalate to 750 kroner ($108) by 2035. However, due to an income tax deduction of 60%, the effective cost per ton will start at 120 kroner ($17.3) in 2030, gradually increasing to 300 kroner by 2035. While carbon dioxide often garners more attention in climate discussions, methane—a byproduct of livestock farming—holds about 87 times more heat in the
