Full Breakdown
Major Livestock Companies' Methane Emissions Rival Oil Giants
10/23/2025, 12:27:41 PM
Overview of the Emissions Crisis
A recent assessment by the nonprofit research firm Profundo, in collaboration with environmental advocacy groups including Friends of the Earth U.S., Foodrise, Greenpeace Nordic, and the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, reveals that the world's largest meat and dairy companies emit more methane than all the countries in the European Union and the United Kingdom combined. In 2023, these companies collectively produced approximately 1 billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions, comparable to the emissions of Saudi Arabia, the second-largest oil producer globally. The top five emitters—JBS, Marfrig, Minerva, Tyson Foods, and Cargill—account for nearly half of this total, with JBS alone responsible for about 24% of the emissions.
The Role of Methane in Climate Change
Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is primarily released through the digestive processes of ruminant livestock, such as cattle. It is estimated to trap heat 80 times more effectively than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. The report emphasizes that without significant reductions in livestock emissions, global climate targets will remain unattainable. Kari Hamerschlag, deputy director of food and agriculture at Friends of the Earth, stated that the meat and dairy sector must significantly reduce animal numbers to meet climate goals.
Regulatory Gaps and Industry Responses
Despite the alarming findings, the livestock sector remains largely unregulated compared to the fossil fuel industry. Many companies have made voluntary commitments to reduce emissions, but these often lack accountability. For instance, JBS has announced plans to increase production to meet a projected 70% rise in global meat consumption by 2050, even while claiming to cut emissions. Critics argue that these commitments are insufficient and often misleading.
Criticism and Opposition
Environmental advocates express frustration over the lack of regulatory pressure on the livestock industry. Ben Lilliston from the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy noted that companies are retracting even their minimal commitments. Nestlé, for example, recently withdrew from a dairy industry compact aimed at reducing methane emissions. The report highlights the need for mandatory emissions reductions, particularly for methane, to ensure accountability within the industry.
Official Statements & Responses
In response to the report, JBS stated that its net-zero emissions goals are aspirational, not binding commitments. The company has faced legal challenges, including a lawsuit from New York Attorney General Letitia James, which accused it of misleading the public regarding its emissions reduction plans. The Supreme Court of New York dismissed the case, citing jurisdictional issues.
What's Next for the Livestock Industry?
As the world approaches the annual United Nations climate summit (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, the urgency for addressing agricultural emissions is paramount. Experts advocate for a multi-faceted approach that includes improving livestock productivity, adopting methane-reducing technologies, and encouraging dietary shifts towards less meat consumption. The report underscores that without significant changes in the livestock sector, achieving international climate goals will be increasingly difficult.
Verbatim Quotes
- “These emissions are huge and are not really mentioned or confronted in government policy right now,” — Ben Lilliston, Director of Rural Strategies and Climate Change, Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy
- “We hope that with this report, it’s another set of data that show that unless the meat and dairy sector significantly curb their emissions—and that means an overall reduction in the number of animals—we won’t even come close to meeting climate targets,” — Kari Hamerschlag, Deputy Director of Food and Agriculture, Friends of the Earth
- “It was never a promise that JBS was going to make this happen,” — Jason Weller, JBS Global Chief Sustainability Officer
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the Profundo report indicates that livestock emissions surpass those of major oil companies, other studies suggest that the overall impact of dietary changes could be equally significant. Some experts argue that reducing meat consumption is essential for meeting climate targets, while others emphasize the need for technological advancements in livestock management to mitigate emissions.
