Denmark imposes world’s first CO2 tax on flatulent cows

Denmark, famous for its dairy and pork, became the first country in the world to impose a tax on livestock carbon dioxide emissions from 2030.

The Danish nation will tax farmers 120 Danish krone—or $17—per metric ton of emitted CO2 equivalent from each cow. The tax would increase to 300 krone from 2035 onwards. Emissions from sheep and pigs will be taxed, too.

Farming is the largest source of carbon dioxide emissions in the country, according to Reuters.

The initiative aims to help Denmark achieve its 2030 goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 70% from 1990 levels.

Despite initial concerns from Danish farmers about potential production cuts and job losses, the compromise was well received. The Danish bill is expected to pass parliament, given the broad consensus.

Similar tax plans have faced criticism worldwide. New Zealand recently scrapped a policy that imposed a tax on its cows and sheep after farmers’ protests. Several European countries faced a wave of protests by farmers, with demands to withdraw from the EU’s climate action plans due to excessive environmental regulations.