In New Zealand, farmers have to pay a “gas tax” based on the flatulence of their farm animals. Scientists say methane emitted by farm animals is responsible for more than half of New Zealand?s greenhouse gases. Last year, New Zealand joined the Kyoto Protocol, agreeing to reduce the production of greenhouse gases, and since they’re not a heavily industrialized country, controlling flatulence is the only way they can do it.
Worldwide, animal flatulence accounts for about 15% of methane emissions, but the percentage is higher in heavily agricultural countries. The new taxes are expected to raise almost 5 million dollars, which will be used to fund research on reducing animal emissions.
Don’t laugh?they’re doing more than we are about this problem.
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