Climate change is a pressing issue that requires urgent action from governments around the world. Recently, leading climate scientists have raised concerns about the approaches taken by politicians in countries like New Zealand and Ireland when it comes to tackling methane emissions from their sheep and cattle industries.
According to a group of 26 climate scientists, politicians in New Zealand and Ireland are using what they call an “accounting trick” to support their livestock sectors. These scientists argue that the proposed methane targets in these countries could set a dangerous precedent and undermine global efforts to combat climate change.
One of the main issues highlighted by the scientists is the use of a new method for calculating methane’s impact on climate change, known as global warming potential star (GWP*). This method estimates methane’s contribution to warming based on how emissions are changing relative to a baseline, rather than comparing it to the warming impact of CO₂ over a 100-year period.
While proponents of GWP* argue that it better reflects methane’s short-lived nature in the atmosphere, scientists warn that some governments are misapplying it to justify “no additional warming” targets. This could allow emissions to remain flat rather than decline, potentially leading to continued high levels of methane emissions and climate damage.
The scientists likened this approach to pouring pollution into a river and then being credited for pouring slightly less pollution, calling it an “accounting trick” that lets countries off the hook for reducing emissions.
New Zealand and Ireland are among the highest per capita agricultural methane emitters in the world, largely due to their meat and dairy industries. Agriculture accounts for nearly half of New Zealand’s total greenhouse gas emissions, while Ireland’s agriculture sector is its largest emitter.
The scientists argue that the approach taken by these countries could set a precedent for minimal reductions in methane emissions, jeopardizing commitments under the Paris Agreement and the Global Methane Pledge.
Despite calls for sharp cuts in agricultural methane emissions to limit warming to 1.5°C, Ireland is expanding production, while New Zealand is considering less ambitious methane targets than those recommended by its Climate Change Commission.
It is crucial for governments to take decisive action to address methane emissions from livestock and other sources. Failure to do so could have serious consequences for the environment and the global fight against climate change.
