Globally, livestock contributes about 15% of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In countries like New Zealand or Colombia, these contributions are over 50%.
Photo: Carlos Rosas – Oscar Perez
The Animal husbandryAs has been well known for a few decades, it contributes about 15% of greenhouse gas emissions. greenhouse gases (GHG) on the planet, the main cause Global warming Earth is already affected. However, in countries like New Zealand (As well as in Colombia), livestock farming accounts for more than half of the GHGs emitted. (can read: This is how the Ava people protect one of the most biodiverse corners of Colombia)
Considering this, a few days ago the Prime Minister Mr New ZealandJacinda Ardern, Agriculture Ministers Damien O’Connor and Climate Change Minister James Shaw introduced a specific proposal that has attracted attention: a tax on farmers. emissions of cattle.
“With this proposal, the Farmers New Zealanders will be world leaders in reducing emissions, giving them a competitive advantage and enhancing our brand. export”, said the Prime Minister while moving the motion. But the document and the central idea, which is still under discussion, have not gone down well in the country. (You may also be interested in: Where does the meat that comes to our table come from? Data is still missing)
As well known and reported by various scientists, Burps Livestock, as well Urinetheirs Flatulence Y dungare an important source Methane Y Nitrous oxide. These greenhouse gases, however, are emitted at low rates Carbon dioxide, they are 25 to 300 times more powerful. For this reason, alternatives are being sought that lead to a reduction in its emissions.
Although the mechanism emissions Cattle and the rate used for it, the Government seeks in the short term the Farmers Look for alternatives to reduce their animal emissions. In turn, the union pointed out that if the proposal is accepted, the price of emissions will be fixed. Exports The meat they make. The government said the money raised would be reinvested in the sector “through new technologies, research and incentive payments to farmers”. (You may also read: The National Navy seized 6,000 kg of fish from a foreign vessel for illegal fishing)
Greg Keolian, director of the Center for Sustainable Systems at the University of Michigan Environment and Sustainability, told the website. Popular science that “emissions cattle Currently no price marketAnd when we buy beef, Climate impacts and costs environment Society is not reflected in price.”
The move could be accompanied by a labeling system that certifies that meat was produced in systems that try to reduce meat consumption, the expert confirms. emissions of GHG. This, he adds, “will help differentiate their agricultural products in the market for organic consumers who are willing to pay a higher price for meat with a lower carbon footprint.” (You may also be interested in: Finalists in a contest that rewards fun nature photography)
However, as the web portal also highlights, there are sectors that disagree with the initiative. Ermias Gebreb, director of the University of California’s World Food Center, is one of them. “The burden should be shared by the community, not just the farmers who are already operating on small margins,” he said. Popular science.
Meanwhile, directors of Beef + Lamb New Zealand, the body representing a section of the country’s cattle farmers, said they would not accept “a system that disproportionately puts our farmers and communities at risk”.
For his part, the climate change minister promised that the proposed system would only be operational in 2025, and insisted that “countries facing challenges like ours are once again looking to New Zealand for climate leadership”. The proposal is open for comments until November 18.
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