COP31 methane deal puts Australian livestock farmers on high alert
A COP31 declaration calls for policies to cut methane. Australian farmers fear it could lead to livestock rules.
A new international declaration is at the COP31 climate summit in Turkey. The declaration calls for mandatory policies to cut methane.
The declaration asks governments to turn voluntary methane commitments into measurable cuts. Governments would do this through policies, regulations and investment plans.
Agriculture creates about 40 per cent of human-caused methane globally. Livestock digestion accounts for 32 per cent of that.
The National Farmers' Federation urged the Albanese government not to sign on. It said the move breaks 2022 assurances.
The assurances were that Australia would pursue methane cuts through research and investment. Not through new rules or livestock limits.
Seven countries have publicly endorsed the declaration so far. Australia has not.
The deal aims for a 30 per cent cut in global methane by 2030.
- 30 percent below 2020 levels
- Global methane cut target by 2030
- 40 percent
- Agriculture share of human-caused
- 32 percent
- Livestock digestion of that
- Seven
- Countries endorsing declaration
Why it mattersHow Australia responds will determine what farms face. They might get new methane rules. Or they might keep pursuing voluntary cuts.
AustraliaIf Australia signs, it could open the door to government-mandated livestock practices or emissions limits affecting cattle and sheep farmers.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 40 min ago
