The European Commission aims not only to tackle air pollution caused by CO2 but also to reduce methane emissions. The EU plans not only a tax on CO2 pollution but also wants to oblige energy companies to detect and repair natural gas leaks sooner. Additionally, Brussels wants to encourage farmers to reconsider the diet of their cows and explore alternative feed options.
Because the European Union aims to be climate neutral in thirty years, reducing only CO2 emissions is not enough. Methane must also be addressed, said Vice-President Frans Timmermans. He points out that methane, known as natural gas, is actually much more potent and unpredictable than CO2.
What goes into a cow determines what comes out – this also applies to methane. Therefore, farmers could learn from each other about the best feed to give their livestock in order to reduce gas production from their manure, the European Commission believes.
Livestock farmers might also benefit from each other's technological innovations and breeding programs. Additionally, the Commission wants to "incentivize" farmers to make greater use of waste and manure for producing biogas and other biomaterials.
EU countries account for only 5 percent of global methane emissions. But since EU countries play a significant role in agriculture and waste management, the EU's influence can extend beyond this, according to the Commission.
To better control the spread of methane, emissions must be better monitored. This is currently done on a limited scale. Therefore, the EU wants to establish a global international 'methane observatory.' European satellites will then track down 'super-emitters' and large gas leaks.