Ireland Seeks to Reclassify Methane Emissions, Drawing Scientific Concern

Ireland, home to 5 million people and 7 million cows, is considering reclassifying how methane emissions from its livestock are factored into climate policy. This move, similar to New Zealand's recent change, aims to ease reduction targets but is drawing criticism from climate scientists who warn it could exacerbate global warming.

Livestock, including 5 million sheep, account for an estimated 22% of Ireland’s annual greenhouse gas emissions. The country, known for its dairy and beef, has historically resisted climate goals that might impact its farming sector. The government plans to advocate for this reclassification at EU and international levels, arguing methane has «distinct characteristics».

Two main approaches exist for calculating methane's impact. One views methane as 80 times more heat-trapping than CO2 over 20 years, making its reduction crucial for slowing warming. The other, known as GWP, considers methane short-lived (around 12 years) and part of a natural cycle, suggesting a baseline level of emissions is normal. New Zealand adopted GWP, stabilizing rather than sharply cutting methane emissions, a method favored by farmers.

Scientists, including Johannes Rockström and Robert Howarth, warn that adopting GWP could undermine global climate mitigation efforts by allowing major emitters to claim «climate neutrality» while continuing high emissions. Ireland will assume the six-month presidency of the Council of the EU after July 1, potentially bringing this issue to the forefront of EU climate policy discussions.