In 2030, Denmark will pioneer a tax on livestock methane targeting cow burps and farts at 300 Danish kroner ($43 USD) per tonne of CO2 equivalent, rising to 750 by 2035, with deductions to aid farmers.

It’s a bold environmental move, but it’s also an indirect tax on people as the cost will ripple to consumers via higher milk, cheese, and meat prices. Also, once digestion-based emissions are taxable, the leap from cows to humans is one of scale, not kind.

Extending to People

Humans produce methane too. In nursing homes, where diets rich in fiber or beans amplify collective emissions, a similar tax could follow. Though absurd-sounding, it’s a logical extension once biology is policed for climate goals. If implemented, legally, this risks violating EU Article 21. Yet, environmental urgency often trumps such safeguards.

25 Years of Failed Taxation

Since the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, CO2 emissions have soared 60% (23.7 to 37 billion tonnes by 2024). Taxes have risen, but emissions haven’t fallen which suggests revenue, not results, drives policy.

A Dangerous (but inevitable) Precedent

Denmark’s tax may cut global methane by a fraction of a percent, but its impact on human autonomy is vast. If climate action means taxing biology, innovation (e.g., methane capture, reforestation) should replace punitive measures, or it’s just theatre.

The Bottom Line

This tax on flatulence marks a shift in climate law and possible our ability to live free lives. After 25 years of ineffective levies, the real question is whether we’re taxing ourselves to death for show or there are sinister motives at play.

By: Dr Andre Alexander, Barrister, Solicitor

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are my own.