New Zealand farmers take their tractors to the streets to protest the government's 'hiccup tax'.

According to a report by the Associated Press on the 20th, because of climate change, the New Zealand government proposed on the 10th to tax the greenhouse gas produced by livestock burping and farting, and the plan was immediately opposed by farmers.

New Zealand's livestock industry is huge, with more than 36 million cattle and sheep, and the country's population is only 5 million. Such an industrial structure means that more than half of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions come from farms, especially methane from cattle burping and nitrous oxide from the decomposition of urine.

The New Zealand government has previously pledged to be carbon neutral by 2050. As part of a plan to drive the commitment, New Zealand has pledged to reduce methane emissions from farm livestock by 10% by 2030 and 47% by 2050, with a related emissions tax to begin in 2025.

For this plan, farmers did not buy it. A farmer who participated in the protest said: "We are not trying to destroy the environment, we have spent generations tending this land, but we are portrayed as bad people. If the government goes ahead with plans to reduce livestock farming and related taxation, the hit of too many farmers will be devastating. "

The Associated Press previously commented that if the Ardern government cannot reach an agreement with farmers on a hiccup tax, she may face difficulties in her bid for re-election next year.

New Zealand Prime Minister Ardern announced earlier that New Zealand plans to tax methane and nitrous oxide emitted by cattle and sheep across the country, which will set a world precedent. Ardern said it was integral to meeting climate goals, adding that farmers could also earn higher incomes selling climate-friendly meat.

Protesting farmers say the "hiccup tax" not only jeopardizes their livelihoods but also drives up food prices. They also expressed concern about how the authorities will calculate and monitor the tax. Currently, the plan is still in the consultation stage. Ardern said the government was working with farmers and food manufacturers to work out the best options.

New Zealand's aquaculture industry is vital to the country's economy and is its largest source of export earnings. About half of New Zealand's greenhouse gases come from farms, and air pollution from methane from burping cattle and sheep is particularly bad.