#meat lobby

Meat and dairy giants have been accused of halting climate progress by cosying up to policymakers to justify the soaring growth of animal agriculture. Globally, food and agriculture contribute one-third of total greenhouse gas emissions, second only to burning fossil fuels. In the EU, animal-sourced foods make up between 81 and 86 per cent of total greenhouse gas emissions of total food production – despite only supplying around 21 per cent of calories and 64 per cent of protein. Scientists have repeatedly warned that our diets need to change to bring down emissions and improve our health. The 2025 EAT-Lancet Commission report – compiled by 70 leading experts from 35 countries – found that around 15 million deaths could be avoided each year if the world shifted to predominantly plant-based diets. Such a move could also lead to a 15 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture. But the carbon footprint of animal agriculture continues to rise, driven by both modern industrial farming practices and increased livestock. According to Greenpeace, 60 per cent of all mammals on Earth by weight are now livestock – including methane-producing cattle. Just four per cent are wild, while the rest (36 per cent) are humans. Despite this, only four per cent of national climate plans include quantified, time-bound agricultural methane reductions – and fewer still include targets towards sustainable diets. A new report from European non-profit Changing Markets Foundation, which exists to expose ‘irresponsible’ corporate practices, says that meat and dairy are being kept off the climate agenda due to ‘hidden’ partnerships and twisted narratives.