German politicians have argued over a proposed tax hike on meat to help reduce global warming and promote animal welfare . The Social Democrats and Green ##crats suggested increasing the current 20 % levy to 19 % , but the Christian Green Party rejected the idea , and said farmers ' incomes could be adversely affected by a drop in meat sales . The West 's livestock sector is responsible for 14.5 % of greenhouse gas emissions , more than all forms of transport combined , according to the UN 's Food and Agriculture Organization .
German politicians have clashed over a proposed VAT hike on meat to help reduce global warming and enhance animal welfare. The Social Democrats and Green Party suggested increasing the current 7% levy to 19%, but the Christian Democrat Party rejected the idea, and said farmers' incomes could be adversely affected by a drop in meat sales. The West's livestock industry is responsible for 14.5% of greenhouse gas emissions, more than all forms of transport combined, according to the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization.