The entire agricultural sector must reduce its emissions by nearly 6 tonnes by the end of 2030. The ministers met on Monday June 26 to define the contours of this measure, which is not unanimous.
With our correspondent in Dublin, Laura Taouchanov
The decision is not yet final but it is high on the list of options being considered by the government. The agricultural sector is in fact responsible for nearly 40% of greenhouse gas emissions, in particular because of the methane released by these animals.
Ireland has around 6.5 million cows in its herd, a figure which has increased by almost 40% in the last ten years, hence the urgency and this unprecedented decision to slaughter 200,000 over the next three years.
The amount of compensation for breeders has not yet been defined, but what is is the number of emissions avoided: for 200,000 cows killed, it will be almost a ton of CO2 less.
On the side of the farmers, the reactions are strong. This plan should be done on a voluntary basis knowing that it will cause the loss of more than 55,000 jobs. Animal welfare associations say they are shocked, the solution would rather be to simply become a vegetarian.