Polluter Pays Principle

TAXING MEAT FOR CLIMATE JUSTICE : RATIONALE & CHALLENGES

A meat tax is being proposed globally as a climate policy tool to reduce the environmental impact of livestock, a sector responsible for 12–19% of global greenhouse gas emissions, especially methane. The tax aims to curb overconsumption—particularly in high-income countries—internalise ecological costs like deforestation and land degradation, and generate revenue for climate action such as the Loss and Damage Fund. However, its implementation faces challenges including political resistance, livelihood concerns for farmers, cultural sensitivities, equity issues for low-income consumers, and difficulties in measuring emissions accurately. While the tax offers a pathway toward sustainable and climate-resilient food systems, it requires careful design to ensure fairness and effectiveness.