Methane is responsible for a third of of current warming from human activity. Methane is the second most common greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide (CO2). Individual methane molecules have a stronger warming effect on the atmosphere than individual CO2 molecules.
At last year’s COP26 environmental conference in Glasgow, the US and the EU agreed to cut emissions of the gas by 30% by 2030. More than 100 countries, including New Zealand, joined the initiative.
Agriculture is responsible for almost half of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions. If the measure were introduced, New Zealand would be the first country to charge farmers for the methane emissions of their livestock.
The proposal would require farmers to pay for their emissions from 2025. The plan also includes incentives for farmers who use feed additives to reduce emissions, while planting trees on farms would offset emissions.
According to the country’s environment ministry, money from the scheme will be used for research, development and advice to farmers.
