New Zealand has recently pledged to cut biogenic methane emissions by up to 24 per cent from 2017 levels by 2050, which would protect the agriculture sector and meet the country’s climate commitments. The announcement comes after the government in April ended a plan to put a price on agricultural emissions including methane produced by belching sheep and cattle, relenting to farmer pressure that the plan would make their business unprofitable.

Agriculture Minister Todd McClay said that the biogenic methane target, yet to be signed off by the cabinet, would be set at a range of 14–24 per cent below 2017 levels by 2050. “We’re delivering a practical, fair pathway that recognizes New Zealand agriculture efficiency, protects jobs and production, and upholds our climate commitments,” he said.

Source: https://www.reuters.com/