Generated Summary
The report, titled “Blindspot: How Lack of Action on Livestock Methane Undermines Climate Targets,” assesses the state of action on methane emissions from the livestock sector. The analysis focuses on the biggest meat and dairy-producing countries and corporations, examining their climate policies, emission targets, and actions to reduce methane. The methodology involves analyzing data from 18 countries, assessing company climate policies and actions against 11 indicators, and reviewing reports and policy documents. The scope encompasses the entire food system, with a particular emphasis on the role of livestock agriculture in contributing to global methane emissions and climate change. The research aims to highlight the critical blind spot in climate policies and commitments concerning methane emissions and to propose recommendations for governments, companies, and consumers to drive a transition towards sustainable diets and production systems.
Key Findings & Statistics
- Methane is 86 times more potent than carbon dioxide (CO₂) over a 20-year timescale.
- The livestock sector is the largest contributor to human-induced methane emissions.
- Enteric fermentation and manure management are responsible for over 30% of all anthropogenic methane emissions.
- Methane has a climate response time of only 12 years.
- A 45% reduction in methane emissions is necessary by 2030 to keep global warming below 1.5°C.
- China is the country with the largest anthropogenic methane emissions overall.
- The biggest meat and dairy companies are responsible for about 15% of global GHG emissions.
- 77% of global enteric methane is generated by cattle.
- The value of the worldwide dairy market was estimated to be worth more than US$720 billion in 2020, while the value of the global meat market was assessed as around US$1 trillion in the same year, with the beef market alone valued at US$310 billion.
- In 2017, more than 60% of all emissions had anthropogenic origins.
- Livestock production generates more than 30% of all methane emissions linked to human activities.
- Beef and dairy production also represent a highly inefficient protein production system, as only 3.8% of animal feed protein input is effectively converted into final animal product for beef and 24% for whole milk.
- Between 2001 and 2015, cattle pasture replaced about 45 million hectares of forested land.
- Overall, methane emissions have risen more than 150% from pre-industrial levels in 1750.
- The US, EU, China, Brazil, Argentina, and Russia have the highest potential for shifting diets.
- The Netherlands reported an increase of 6.5% in livestock-related methane emissions over a five-year period.
- Only New Zealand and Uruguay have set methane reduction targets for the livestock sector.
- The Global Methane Pledge aims to reduce global methane emissions by at least 30% from 2020 levels by 2030.
- Dairy production accounts for approximately 25% of the country’s GHG emissions.
Other Important Findings
- Most countries’ methane emissions from the livestock sector are relatively stable or even increasing.
- None of the countries assessed has established overall methane reduction targets.
- Meat and dairy giants are largely ignoring the problem of methane, with few concrete plans to reduce emissions.
- Seven of the 20 companies have set science-based targets.
- The Global Methane Pledge focuses on technical measures and incentives to encourage individual farmers but ignores the potential to reduce methane emissions by addressing people’s overconsumption of meat and dairy.
- Implementing policies that drive reductions in demand for meat and dairy products is critical in bridging the gap in the Global Methane Pledge.
- The lack of concrete targets and action plans addressing livestock in the EU’s strategy to reduce methane emissions represents a missed opportunity.
- Governments need to drive a transition towards less and better meat and dairy.
- Reducing meat and dairy consumption is one of the most important measures to keep global heating within acceptable limits.
Limitations Noted in the Document
- The report’s analysis is based on data submitted by 18 countries to the UNFCCC, which may not fully reflect the current state of emissions and policies.
- The study relies on publicly available information for assessing company policies and actions, which may not be complete or fully representative.
- Methane emission reduction targets for the livestock sector are particularly scarce and weak, as this is a critical blind spot in climate policies and commitments.
- The review of company actions is limited to the information available, which may not capture all initiatives or investments.
- The reliance on self-reporting by companies introduces a potential for underreporting or greenwashing.
- The emphasis on technical solutions may overshadow the importance of behavioral changes and demand-side measures.
Conclusion
The report underscores the urgent need for action to address methane emissions from livestock agriculture to mitigate climate change. The climate emergency requires rapid political action by governments, companies, and investors, and the case for change is compelling on environmental, climate, and health grounds. The analysis reveals a critical blind spot in climate policies and commitments concerning methane emissions in the livestock sector. The biggest meat and dairy companies show a lack of leadership and commitment when it comes to reducing methane emissions. Companies should adopt action plans that include specific commitments to invest in proven methane mitigation measures, and actively work to substitute their meat and dairy products with plant-based alternatives. Governments should adopt national strategies and education campaigns in combination with other measures. The report’s findings show that the focus on methane offers a crucial stopgap measure during the longer-term transition to zero emission societies. The report recommends a reduction in meat and dairy consumption to stay below 1.5°C of global heating. Governments can close the current gap in the Global Methane Pledge, and companies should set science-based emissions reduction targets. The transition to healthier and more sustainable diets with less and better meat and dairy, as well as better agricultural production practices, are key. The report emphasizes that reducing meat and dairy consumption is one of the most important measures to keep global heating within acceptable limits. The report’s findings show that even if the livestock sector’s contribution to global methane emissions is reduced, it will still not meet the required global emission reduction targets, which could be achieved through a cut in livestock numbers by switching to healthier, more plant-based diets.