VANCOUVER – In a groundbreaking move to combat climate change, Denmark announced its plans to impose a carbon tax on livestock emissions, becoming the first country to take such a bold step. This initiative, set to begin in 2030, aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the agricultural sector, the country’s largest source of CO2 emissions. Denmark, a major pork and dairy exporter, hopes this pioneering effort will inspire other nations to follow suit. The Road to the Carbon Tax The proposal for a livestock carbon tax was first introduced in February by government-commissioned experts as part of Denmark’s strategy to achieve its legally binding 2030 target of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 70% from 1990 levels. The centrist government reached a broad-based compromise late Monday with key stakeholders, including farmers, industry representatives, labor unions, and environmental groups, signaling strong national commitment to addressing climate change. “We will be the first country in the world to introduce a real CO2 tax on agriculture. Other countries will be inspired by this,” said Jeppe Bruus, the Taxation Minister from the centre-left Social Democrats. Although the tax is subject to parliamentary approval, political experts anticipate that the bill will pass, given the extensive consensus. Details of the Tax and Economic Impact The agreement outlines a tax starting at 300 kroner ($43.16) per tonne of CO2 in 2030, escalating to 750 kroner by 2035. Farmers will benefit from a 60% income tax deduction, effectively reducing the initial cost to 120 kroner per tonne, rising to 300 kroner by 2035. Additionally, subsidies will be provided to help farmers adapt their operations to meet the new regulations. This tax could potentially add an extra cost of 2 kroner per kilo of minced beef by 2030, as explained by Stephanie Lose, Minister for Economic Affairs, to the public broadcaster DR. Currently, minced beef retails for about 70 kroner per kilo in Danish discount stores. Balancing Climate Goals and Agricultural Sustainability While some Danish farmers have expressed concerns that stringent climate goals could reduce production and lead to job losses, the compromise reached is seen as a viable path forward. “The agreement brings clarity when it comes to significant parts of the farmers’ conditions,” said the L&F agriculture industry group, highlighting that the deal allows farmers to maintain their businesses while contributing to national climate goals. Denmark’s initiative stands in contrast to New Zealand’s recent decision to scrap a similar tax plan following backlash from the farming community. The Danish model, therefore, offers a balanced approach, providing financial incentives and support to farmers while ensuring that climate targets are met. Denmark’s Leadership in Climate Action Denmark’s leadership in imposing a carbon tax on livestock emissions represents a significant advancement in global climate policy. The move underscores the country’s proactive stance on environmental issues and its dedication to achieving ambitious climate targets. By addressing emissions from agriculture, Denmark tackles a major source of greenhouse gases, setting a precedent for other nations grappling with similar challenges. This initiative is expected to drive innovation in the agricultural sector, encouraging the development and adoption of more sustainable farming practices. The government’s comprehensive approach, involving all relevant stakeholders, ensures that the policy is both effective and fair, providing a model for other countries to emulate. Looking Forward As Denmark moves forward with implementing the carbon tax on livestock emissions, the world will be watching closely. The success of this initiative could pave the way for similar measures globally, significantly contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gases. Denmark’s bold step is not just about meeting its own climate targets but also about demonstrating global leadership in the fight against climate change. Denmark’s decision to impose a carbon tax on livestock emissions is a historic and visionary move. It highlights the urgent need for innovative solutions to address the climate crisis and sets a powerful example for other countries. As the first nation to implement such a tax, Denmark is leading the way towards a more sustainable future, proving that with determination and collaboration, significant environmental progress can be achieved.

SAN JOSE – The sweltering heat that gripped Las Vegas and Phoenix during recent political rallies is a stark reminder of the urgent need for consistent climate action. As attendees collapsed from heat exhaustion, the former President’s promise to “drill, baby, drill” underscores a troubling reality: the lack of continuity in climate policy between administrations is jeopardizing our future. In recent years, the world has witnessed unprecedented heatwaves, wildfires, and extreme weather events, all exacerbated by human-caused climate change. Despite overwhelming scientific evidence linking these disasters to fossil fuel consumption, some policymakers in Washington continue to push for increased oil and gas production. This short-sighted approach not only ignores the immediate health impacts of extreme heat on the populace but also endangers long-term climate goals. The current political landscape in the United States is fraught with division on climate issues. Each new administration brings a shift in priorities, often undoing the progress made by its predecessor. When President Biden took office, his administration implemented policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions, investing in renewable energy, and setting ambitious targets to combat climate change. However, with the rise of new political leaders advocating for a return to fossil fuels, these initiatives face the threat of being dismantled. This cyclical shift in climate policies hampers the nation’s ability to meet its 2050 climate goals. The commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by mid-century requires unwavering dedication and consistent policy support. Yet, the pendulum swing between environmental regulation and deregulation with each electoral cycle creates instability, discourages long-term investment in green technologies, and undermines public confidence in climate action. The consequences of this policy volatility are severe. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that delaying action will result in irreversible damage to ecosystems, more frequent and severe weather events, and significant economic losses. The health impacts are already evident; the recent rallies in the Southwest, where dozens were hospitalized due to extreme heat, are just a glimpse of what lies ahead if the climate crisis is not addressed with the urgency it demands. Moreover, the push for more drilling and fossil fuel production is not only environmentally detrimental but also economically shortsighted. Renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydroelectric power are becoming increasingly cost-competitive with fossil fuels. Investing in these technologies not only helps mitigate climate change but also creates sustainable jobs and drives economic growth. Conversely, doubling down on oil and gas locks the economy into a dependence on finite resources, susceptible to market volatility and geopolitical tensions. Policymakers must recognize that climate change is not a partisan issue but a global emergency that requires bipartisan cooperation and steadfast commitment. The health of our planet and future generations depends on the actions we take today. It is imperative that political leaders prioritize long-term climate strategies over short-term political gains and work together to ensure that progress made in reducing emissions and transitioning to clean energy is not undone. The dangers of ignoring the urgency of climate action are clear. As we face record-breaking heatwaves, devastating wildfires, and rising sea levels, the need for consistent, science-based climate policies has never been more critical. It is time for policymakers in Washington to transcend partisan divides, uphold the momentum for climate action, and safeguard our collective future. The stakes are too high, and the window for effective action is rapidly closing.

SAN JOSE – In a glaring example of corporate negligence, hundreds of orphan oil wells across California have been abandoned by their operators, leaving behind a legacy of environmental destruction and health hazards for nearby communities. The California Department of Conservation’s recent announcement about the first round of funding to permanently seal these wells reveals a disturbing pattern of corporate irresponsibility and the devastating impact on public health and the environment. Corporate Pollution and Abandonment Oil companies like AllenCo, Sunray Petroleum, and Citadel Exploration Inc. have consistently flouted regulations, resulting in severe consequences for the communities living near these wells. The wells, now orphaned, leak harmful pollutants, including methane—a potent greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. AllenCo’s 21 wells near Los Angeles have been a source of concern for over a decade. Located near Saint James Park, homes, and an elementary school, these wells have repeatedly violated California’s oil and gas laws. Despite court orders and remedial actions, the wells continue to pose significant risks to public health and safety. Sunray Petroleum’s 22 wells in Kern County, notorious for outstanding violations since 2017, have been found leaking methane. Similarly, Citadel’s 37 wells near Bakersfield have been neglected, resulting in oil-stained soils and elevated methane levels. These are not isolated cases but part of a larger, alarming trend of environmental degradation. Health and Environmental Impacts The consequences of these abandoned wells extend far beyond methane leaks. Residents living near these sites experience a host of health issues, including respiratory problems, headaches, and nausea. The contamination of soil and groundwater poses long-term risks to both human health and local ecosystems. In Ventura County, Peak Operator LLC’s 39 wells near Oxnard and Vaca Energy’s six wells are prime examples of how abandoned wells continue to pollute and harm the environment. The leaking wells have led to the degradation of air quality, further exacerbating health issues for local residents. Public Paying the Price The burden of addressing this environmental catastrophe has unfairly fallen on the public. With Governor Newsom’s administration allocating millions to seal these wells, taxpayers are essentially footing the bill for the oil companies’ negligence. This allocation, while necessary, underscores the failure of regulatory frameworks to hold these companies accountable. David Shabazian, Director of Conservation, emphasized that while the state is stepping in to mitigate the risks, efforts are being made to recoup costs from the responsible parties. However, the current situation starkly highlights how the public, particularly in disadvantaged communities, bears the brunt of the cleanup efforts. A Call for Accountability As the California Geologic Energy Management (CalGEM) prepares to discuss the draft list of orphan wells, it is imperative that stronger enforcement actions are implemented to hold these companies accountable. The state must ensure that oil operators cannot escape the consequences of their actions by abandoning wells and leaving the public to deal with the aftermath. The ongoing efforts in Santa Barbara County, where CalGEM is plugging 172 wells in the Cat Canyon Oil Field, provide a blueprint for future actions. Working with local communities and indigenous groups like the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians for cultural monitoring and guidance is a step in the right direction. However, it is crucial that these efforts are expanded and that oil companies are held financially responsible for the damage they have caused. The plight of California’s orphan wells is a stark reminder of the need for rigorous regulatory oversight and corporate accountability. While the state’s intervention is a necessary measure to protect public health and the environment, it also highlights the urgent need for systemic changes to prevent such environmental and public health tragedies in the future. Communities should not have to bear the costs—both financial and health-related—of corporate irresponsibility. The time for stringent enforcement and accountability is now.

SAN JOSE – Carbon pricing has emerged as one of the most potent tools for combating climate change, incentivizing reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions globally. The “State and Trends of Carbon Pricing 2024” report by the World Bank provides a comprehensive overview of the current landscape, highlighting the significant progress made over the past decade, the challenges that persist, and the future trajectory of carbon pricing initiatives worldwide. Growth and Adoption of Carbon Pricing In the last ten years, the coverage of global emissions by carbon pricing mechanisms has expanded remarkably. In 2014, only 7% of global emissions were covered by carbon pricing instruments. Today, nearly a quarter of global emissions are under some form of carbon pricing, reflecting a growing acknowledgment of the importance of these tools in the fight against climate change. The report notes that as of 2024, there are 75 national carbon pricing instruments in operation. This includes recent implementations in countries like Australia, Hungary, Slovenia, Taiwan, China, and several sub-national schemes in Mexico. Middle-income countries such as Brazil, India, Chile, Colombia, and Türkiye are also making notable strides towards implementing emissions trading schemes (ETSs). Despite this progress, the report underscores that higher pricing and wider coverage are essential to unlock the full potential of carbon pricing. Currently, the ambition of most carbon pricing policies falls short of what is needed to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. The average price of carbon remains below the levels required to achieve significant emission reductions. Revenue Generation and Utilization One of the positive trends highlighted in the report is the increase in revenue generated from carbon pricing. In 2023, revenues from carbon pricing instruments exceeded $100 billion for the first time, driven by high prices in the European Union and a temporary shift in some German ETS revenues from 2022 to 2023. These revenues are crucial as they fund climate and nature-related programs, thus reinforcing the environmental benefits of carbon pricing. The majority of jurisdictions use these revenues to support climate-related projects or bolster general budgets. For example, the EU requires member states to allocate at least half of their ETS revenues to climate and energy purposes, resulting in significant investments in green transport, energy efficiency, and renewable energy projects. However, the contribution of carbon pricing revenue to national budgets remains relatively small, indicating room for fiscal reforms to maximize the benefits of these instruments. Challenges and Implementation Gaps While carbon pricing has seen considerable uptake, the report points to an implementation gap between countries’ commitments and the policies enacted. This gap is particularly evident in the variation of carbon prices across different ETSs and carbon taxes. Over the past year, ten ETSs, including major systems in the EU, New Zealand, and the Republic of Korea, experienced price decreases, which can undermine the long-term price signal needed to drive investments in low-carbon technologies. Moreover, the expansion of carbon pricing coverage has slowed. The share of global GHG emissions covered by carbon pricing remains stable at around 24%, with new implementations only partially offsetting reductions in emissions in existing systems. The report emphasizes that even with new carbon pricing instruments in countries like Brazil, India, and Türkiye, global coverage is unlikely to exceed 30% in the near term. The Future of Carbon Pricing The report identifies several emerging trends that could shape the future of carbon pricing. These include the integration of carbon pricing into broader economic policies, the development of sector-specific initiatives like the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), and the implementation of carbon border adjustment mechanisms (CBAMs). The EU’s CBAM, which started its transitional phase in 2023, represents a significant shift in the global carbon pricing landscape. By applying a carbon price on imports equivalent to the EU ETS, the CBAM aims to level the playing field between domestic producers and international competitors, potentially driving other countries to adopt similar measures. Despite these advancements, the report stresses the need for increased ambition and stronger political commitment to achieve meaningful progress. The development of robust global frameworks and the sharing of best practices are crucial to drive the necessary level of ambition and ensure the effectiveness of carbon pricing mechanisms. The “State and Trends of Carbon Pricing 2024” report paints a picture of both progress and persistent challenges in the realm of carbon pricing. While significant strides have been made, particularly in expanding coverage and generating revenue, the current pace of implementation and the level of ambition are insufficient to meet the Paris Agreement goals. As countries prepare to submit new nationally determined contributions in 2025, the report calls for immediate and sustained focus on implementing more ambitious carbon pricing policies to decisively bend the emissions curve and safeguard a livable planet.