Methane Emissions Measurement Standards Needed As Penalties Loom – “Methane Abatement in Maritime Innovation Initiative (MAMII), an industry group led by Lloyd’s Register’s technology adoption company Safetytech Accelerator, has released its first findings report after two years of operation. Developing and applying universal and consistent methane emission measurement guidelines was chief among its recommendations to help increase adoption of methane abatement technologies in shipping and ultimately reducing methane emissions from the sector. Measurement guidelines would help the industry assess and compare abatement technologies, as well as give more accurate insights into the potential operational costs associated with methane emissions under future regulations and the savings abatement would bring under those same regulations.” [Sea Trade Maritime News, 7/8/24 (=)]
Taxing Cows A Pragmatic Step Toward Mitigating Climate Change – “Taxing carbon emissions from livestock could help offset the effects of a substantial source of greenhouse gas emissions. The US has 87.2 million cattle contributing to 10% of the nation’s greenhouse gas output from agriculture. A tax on US livestock would drive significant environmental benefits and promote more sustainable agricultural practices. Such a tax could serve as a viable and immediate policy solution, with generated revenue earmarked for reforestation and responsible land use aimed at compensating for agricultural carbon emissions. While the fossil fuel industry requires a gradual phase-out over decades, a livestock tax would reflect a more holistic approach to pricing greenhouse gases throughout the economy. It also would be an easy-to-pursue, pragmatic step toward mitigating climate change.” [Bloomberg Law, 7/9/24 (=)]