“Ignoring the Methane Problem”: World’s Biggest Food Retailers Fail to Address Meat & Dairy Emissions

A recent analysis by the Changing Markets Foundation and Mighty Earth has revealed that major supermarkets around the world are not taking sufficient action to reduce methane emissions from meat and dairy products. The study found that none of the top 20 food retailers globally have set targets or reported on their methane emissions, with UK supermarket Tesco being the only exception with a score of 51%. US retailers were particularly criticized for their lack of ambition in addressing climate accountability.

The report emphasizes the importance of addressing supply chain methane emissions, which account for a significant portion of supermarkets’ total methane emissions. Changing Markets and Mighty Earth are calling for retailers to set targets for reducing methane emissions by at least 30% by 2030, in line with the Global Methane Pledge. They also urge supermarkets to publicly report these emissions annually to increase transparency and accountability. Retailers are encouraged to take immediate action to drive down agricultural methane emissions in their supply chains to combat the significant impact of meat and dairy products on climate change.