Federal authorities commits to signing international pledge to cut back methane emissions

The federal authorities has confirmed Australia will signal a world pledge to cut back methane emissions, saying the pledge is not going to contain any new taxes or levies.

The Morrison authorities has refused to signal a pledge led by the USA and the European Union to chop international methane emissions by 30% this decade, citing issues about its impression on the business. Agriculture.

Local weather Change Minister Chris Bowen on Sunday introduced Australia would be part of greater than 120 different nations which have signed as much as the voluntary pledge.

Mr Bowen mentioned: “Methane is 24% of Australia’s emissions and we’re the eleventh largest emitter of methane on this planet, so it is extremely vital that we now have a seat on the desk. and we’re a part of the answer.

“If this dedication is met, it would contribute to avoiding a 0.2 diploma Celsius warming, which is crucial as we attempt to maintain the world as shut to 1 and a half levels hotter as attainable. “

About half of the methane emissions in Australia come from the agricultural sector, whereas 29% come from assets and 10% from waste.

Opposition Chief Peter Dutton just lately claimed that signing the pledge would lead to a “tax on cattle” whereas Nationalist chief David Littleproud mentioned it could damage yard barbecues by driving up costs. beef up.

Mr Littleproud mentioned: “We do not wish to see Aussie BBQ only for the wealthy – we urge Labor to reject the loopy concept of ​​methane and embrace the Aussie BBQ spirit as a substitute of destroying it.

Mr Bowen mentioned these feedback have been a “predictable however very disappointing lie” and insisted the federal government wouldn’t introduce taxes or duties to cut back livestock emissions.

“Our strategy includes worldwide cooperation and home cooperation.”

He mentioned the pledge didn’t require a concentrate on the agricultural sector and that the federal government would work intently with the vitality, assets, agriculture and waste sectors on a “affordable plan” to cut back emissions. methane.

“What we will do is implement our reforms to the safeguard mechanism whereby all emissions will come down from main wastes, together with methane,” mentioned Mr. Bowen. .

“Our nation’s focus will likely be on analysis and growth, funding, cooperation and partnerships with key sectors.”

The federal government has awarded a $5 million grant to help analysis and growth of low-emissions feed dietary supplements for herbivores.