Methane Madness Infects New Zealand Government - CleanTechnica

The article discusses New Zealand's significant methane emissions problem, largely stemming from its vast population of ruminant farm animals—approximately 24 million sheep and 10 million cattle. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas about 80 times more effective than carbon dioxide at trapping heat, is produced naturally during the digestion process of these animals. Agriculture accounts for half of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions, with methane making up about 85% of that share. Under former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand had set ambitious methane reduction targets aiming to cut emissions by 25-50% by 2050 to help combat global warming. However, the current government led by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has significantly weakened these targets, opting instead for a goal of "no additional warming" by reducing methane emissions only 14-24% below 2017 levels by 2050. This shift is justified by the government as a necessary balance between climate goals and protecting the agricultural sector, which is vital for