Meat Tax Explained: COP30 Demand, Need, Impact & Global Examples
Meat Tax : COP30 Demand, Need, Impact & Global Examples
Context: At COP30 in Belém, 28 low-income African and Pacific nations demanded that wealthy countries introduce a GHG-emissions pricing mechanism (a meat tax) on industrial livestock production to compensate for climate damage.
What is a meat tax?
- A meat tax is a fiscal measure that imposes a levy on meat and dairy products, particularly those produced through industrial livestock systems.
- The idea is to apply the polluter-pays principle: since industrial meat production generates high greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, consumers and producers should bear the cost of climate damage.
- Proposed revenues would partly fund climate adaptation and Loss and Damage Funds for vulnerable countries.
What is the need for it?
- High Emissions from Livestock: Agriculture contributes ~1/3 of global GHG emissions. Livestock is the largest contributor: beef (~70 kg CO₂e/kg), pork (~12 kg), chicken (~9.9 kilograms).
- Global Inequity: Rich countries consume far more meat (OECD average ~71 kg per capita/year; US & Australia ~90 kg). Developing countries average ~26 kg per capita/year, often from smallholder, low-input systems.
- Climate Impact: Industrial livestock drives deforestation, land degradation, and methane emissions. Methane traps 28 times more heat than CO₂ but lasts only ~10 years, so reducing it offers quick climate benefits.
- Health & Sustainability: Overconsumption of meat exceeds dietary recommendations (EAT-Lancet suggests ~16 kg per person/year). Taxing meat could encourage healthier diets and free land for rewilding/carbon absorption.
Is it proposed for the first time?
No, the idea is not new. Many countries have proposed or implemented similar taxes or emission-pricing mechanisms. Below are the key examples:
- New Zealand’s “Burp Tax” (2022):
- Proposed levy on methane emissions from livestock burps and manure.
- Farmers would pay for emissions, with revenues reinvested in climate adaptation.
- Faced strong opposition from farming lobbies, but marked a pioneering attempt.
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Denmark & Germany (Debates):
Policy discussions on taxing red meat to reduce emissions and promote plant-based diets.
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European Union (Proposals):
Environmental groups have urged inclusion of meat taxes in EU climate policy.
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COP30 Belém Declaration (2025):
28 low-income countries (Africa & Pacific) demanded GHG pricing on industrial meat from high-income nations. Called for at least 20% of revenues to go into the Loss and Damage Fund.
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