Scientists Reveal the Scale of Meat and Dairy Industry Greenwashing
A new study reveals that 98% of environmental claims made by major meat and dairy companies are considered greenwashing, with most being vague or unverifiable. The companies' sustainability efforts are often limited in scale and rely on carbon offsetting rather than decarbonization.
Meat and dairy production significantly contribute to global emissions, with the top five emitting companies responsible for an estimated 496 million tonnes of greenhouse gases in 2023. Researchers examined 1,233 environmental claims made by 33 major companies between 2021-2024 and found that 98% were considered greenwashing. Most claims were overly vague or unverifiable future projections, with only 29% backed by supporting evidence. Many companies have made net-zero commitments, but these rely heavily on carbon offsetting rather than decarbonization. The study's authors argue that more substantial changes are needed to reduce the emissions impact of the industry. Companies' misleading claims can impact public perception and influence politicians' regulatory decisions.
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