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WELLINGTON (AFP) – Farmers walked off their farms and took to the streets of New Zealand cities on Thursday to protest against government plans to tax greenhouse gases emitted by livestock.
Tractors, SUVs and farm vehicles snarled traffic in cities like Wellington and Auckland against the “burbs and farts” line.
Earlier this month, centre-left Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern introduced legislation to tax the greenhouse gases naturally emitted by six million cows and 26 million sheep.
Thousands of farmers rallied in Wellington on Thursday with banners calling the policy “absurd” and warning that the tax would make food more expensive.
“A lot of farmers have had enough,” said one Wellington protester, who only gave his name as Chris. He said that it is difficult to keep rearing cattle and this government is not supporting us.
Animals naturally produce methane and nitrous oxide. Scientists believe methane is responsible for 30% of global warming.
Ardern said the tax was necessary to meet climate targets and could benefit farmers by charging them more to meet environmental standards.
© 2022 AFP
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