New Zealand Aims to Cut Livestock Methane by Up to 24% by 2050
Cows stand on a hill at a farm in Hawera, New Zealand.
Photographer: Brendon O'Hagan/Bloomberg
New Zealand has lowered its 2050 methane target for livestock and other farm sources to a 14-24% cut from 2017 levels, down from the previous goal of 24-47%, according to a joint statement from three ministers.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts and Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard said the goal, approved by cabinet, aims to balance lower farm emissions with protecting food production and exports. The target follows recommendations from the Methane Science Review released last year.