Some of the world’s biggest makers and users of dairy products are failing to cut emissions of methane, a new assessment has found.
The assessment from the non-profit Changing Markets Foundation revealed most dairy companies lack clear methane-related targets, credible action plans or transparency on emissions.
It scored 20 major dairy brands and large coffee house chains that are heavy users of dairy based on their methane reduction goals, action plans, accounting and reporting.
The results revealed that, although all firms except Dunkin’, Starbucks and Froneri admit methane or livestock is a climate problem, only two firms (Nestlé and Danone) claim to have actually reduced methane emissions.
None of the firms, which together make over $420bn annually, are pledging to reduce dairy product sales.
Tracking emissions
Only six companies – Arla, Danone, DMK, General Mills, Bel and Saputo – track their methane emissions directly, while only four disclose them.
Danone came top of the table, but with just 59 out of 100 points, and is the only firm with a methane-specific target and a plan to hit it. Most companies have neither, the non-profit said.
General Mills came next with 53.5 points, having published a climate target and plans, but not one specific to methane.
Nestlé and Arla Foods tied for third on 49 points. Nestlé was the only firm to explicitly support reduced public consumption of dairy.
Reducing methane
“Dairy production is a rare lever to control methane emissions, but one that firms clearly don’t want to touch,” said Changing Markets CEO Nusa Urbancic. “The near-total absence of methane-specific targets and credible action plans sends a clear signal: companies are turning a blind eye to emissions of one of the most potent and solvable drivers of global heating.”
Methane is a major driver of rapid climate heating and is 80 times more powerful than carbon dioxide, and cutting the gas is seen as a quick win to help keep global heating below 1.5°C.
The non-profit said industry lobbying has been a major barrier to progress in cutting methane emissions. It added that methane must be cut by at least 30% by 2030.
“Our audit shows that fine words from business and a few voluntary actions are little more than hot air,” added Urbancic. “Governments must finally grab the bull by the horns and set science-based methane cuts for the agricultural sector.
“All eyes are on European governments, given its leadership on the Global Methane Pledge and upcoming legislation in this area.”
No comments yet