Posted by 
Australia has signed on to a global pledge to cut methane emissions, aligning with more than 120 other countries in an effort to reduce the impacts of climate change.
The non-binding pledge requires participants to take voluntary actions as part of a global effort to reduce methane emissions — which cause a much more intense but much shorter warming effect than carbon dioxide — by 30 per cent by 2030.
"The Australian Government will continue to partner with industry to decarbonise the economy and pursue emissions reduction initiatives across energy and waste sectors including capturing waste methane to generate electricity," Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen said.
READ MORE: Paddler thrown into sea when shark bites giant hole in surf ski
"By joining the pledge, Australia will join the rest of the world's major agricultural commodity exporters including the United States, Brazil, and Indonesia in identifying opportunities to reduce emissions in this hard-to-abate sector."
The government said signing the pledge did not require Australia to focus solely on agriculture or reduce livestock production.
It promised not to "legislate or introduce taxes or levies to reduce livestock emissions."
Former prime minister Scott Morrison initially declined to join the pledge spearheaded by US President Joe Biden at last year's COP21 climate summit in Glasgow.
READ MORE: Some Lismore residents told to evacuate ahead of fresh flooding crisis
But the Labor government has made an active effort to distance itself from its predecessor on climate policy.
Earlier this month, Nationals leader David Littleproud slammed signs Labor was preparing to back the pledge, claiming it would increase meat prices.
"Now the Aussie BBQ is under threat. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese wants to take away the backyard BBQ," Mr Littleproud said.
But National Farmers Federation president Fiona Simon said farmers would not suffer as a result of the pledge.
"Signing the pledge signals Australia's voluntary commitment to participation in global action on methane emissions. For agriculture it will reinforce our demonstrated commitment to sustainability and ongoing access key markets as an export orientated sector," Simon, said.
"Farmers are already leading the charge on climate action in Australia and have earned a seat at the table and the strong assurances and partnership provided by government mean the pledge will not negatively impact on farmers or the agriculture sector."
Meat and Livestock Australia also denied signing the pledge would make meat unaffordable.
The Albanese government said it would invest up to $3 billion from the $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund support investment programs such as low emissions technologies and agricultural methane reduction.
READ MORE: 'There is just no help': Anger as river nears 100-year peak
He separately announced $5 million in successful applications for grants to support research and development for low-emissions feed supplements.
He said Methane emissions from livestock were the largest source of greenhouse gas in the agriculture sector, comprising about 10 per cent of Australia's total annual emissions.
Source: 9News
