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 14.5% 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 7% 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.