Open letter on the need to reduce agricultural methane pollution as part of a just transition in the agri-food sector

A coalition of European and Irish organizations argues that Ireland must move beyond stabilizing current methane levels to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. The letter emphasizes that agricultural methane is a primary driver of warming and calls for a just transition for farmers and rural communities, supported by EU financing and clear carbon budget trajectories to avoid stranded assets.

• The signatories argue that the Irish Climate Change Advisory Council's approach of only stabilizing Ireland's contribution to global warming is inconsistent with the European Climate Law, which mandates net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and net negative emissions thereafter.
• Methane pollution is identified as a significant driver of current global warming, with approximately 0.5°C of present-day warming attributed to methane, and 0.2°C specifically from agriculture, primarily livestock production.
• The letter asserts that reducing agricultural methane is a critical and rapid method for slowing global heating and limiting maximum temperatures, rejecting the claim that current Irish production levels are necessary for global food security.
• The authors call for a just transition for farmers, agri-food workers, and rural communities, suggesting that Ireland use its experience with the Just Transition Taskforce and Commission to champion financing and programming in post-2027 CAP and EU budget negotiations.
• Establishing transparent carbon budgets with a clear trajectory toward net zero is presented as a way to help farmers make informed investment choices and mitigate the risk of stranded assets resulting from consumer or regulatory changes.

APA

Smith, C. (2026). Open letter on the need to reduce agricultural methane pollution as part of a just transition in the agri-food sector. Changing Markets Foundation. https://changingmarkets.org/open-letter-on-the-need-to-reduce-agricultural-methane-pollution-as-part-of-a-just-transition-in-the-agri-food-sector/

Chicago

Smith, Caitlin. Open letter on the need to reduce agricultural methane pollution as part of a just transition in the agri-food sector. Changing Markets Foundation, 2026. https://changingmarkets.org/open-letter-on-the-need-to-reduce-agricultural-methane-pollution-as-part-of-a-just-transition-in-the-agri-food-sector/.

Wikipedia

{{cite press release |last1=Smith |first1=Caitlin |title=Open letter on the need to reduce agricultural methane pollution as part of a just transition in the agri-food sector |publisher=Changing Markets Foundation |date=5 March 2026 |url=https://changingmarkets.org/open-letter-on-the-need-to-reduce-agricultural-methane-pollution-as-part-of-a-just-transition-in-the-agri-food-sector/ |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@misc{smith2026open, author = {Smith, Caitlin}, title = {{Open letter on the need to reduce agricultural methane pollution as part of a just transition in the agri-food sector}}, publisher = {Changing Markets Foundation}, year = {2026}, month = mar, url = {https://changingmarkets.org/open-letter-on-the-need-to-reduce-agricultural-methane-pollution-as-part-of-a-just-transition-in-the-agri-food-sector/}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }