June 29, 2022

When we think of the sources of greenhouse gasses, often cars and factories come to mind. While it is common knowledge that the agricultural industry is responsible for some emissions, few consider it to be the main contributor. However, the belches and gas passing of livestock, isn’t to be ignored. In New Zealand, with a sheep population five times as much that of human and cow population two times as much, livestock belches contribute a significant amount of their greenhouse gasses.

Thus, the government announced their plan to tax farmers for their livestock emissions. While this plan includes other directives on transportation, this tax would be the first of its kind. Cows emit methane everytime they pass gas, releasing almost 550 liters per year. Methane is also 24% more effective at trapping heat than carbon dioxide making it more dangerous. By creating this tax, dubbed “the cow belch tax”, the government of New Zealand hopes to reduce their carbon footprint and hit net zero by 2025.

These emissions are not only seen in New Zealand, but in various other agricultural based countries across the world. A satellite in California picked up on the methane emissions as a significant contributor. While New Zealand pilots this idea, we are yet to see if others will follow suit.