Combined methane (CH₄) emissions of 15 of the world's largest meat and dairy companies were estimated at almost 13 million metric tons of methane as of 2021. Brazilian meat processing company JBS had the highest methane emissions of the group, at 4.8 million metric tons. Marfrig, another Brazilian meat processing company, followed with emissions of 1.9 million metric tons. Methane is a significant contributor to global warming and 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
The combined greenhouse gas emissions of these 15 major livestock companies are higher than some of the biggest and most polluting fossil companies.
Estimated methane (CH₄) emissions by major meat and dairy companies worldwide as of 2021
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Of these companies, five are meat corporations and 10 are dairy corporations. Company emissions are estimates for operations for the years 2020 and 2021. Figures have been rounded.
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IATP, & The Changing Markets Foundation. (November 15, 2022). Estimated methane (CH₄) emissions by major meat and dairy companies worldwide as of 2021 (in million metric tons) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved July 22, 2024, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1345206/meat-and-dairy-company-methane-emissions-worldwide/
IATP, und The Changing Markets Foundation. "Estimated methane (CH₄) emissions by major meat and dairy companies worldwide as of 2021 (in million metric tons)." Chart. November 15, 2022. Statista. Accessed July 22, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1345206/meat-and-dairy-company-methane-emissions-worldwide/
IATP, The Changing Markets Foundation. (2022). Estimated methane (CH₄) emissions by major meat and dairy companies worldwide as of 2021 (in million metric tons). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: July 22, 2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1345206/meat-and-dairy-company-methane-emissions-worldwide/
IATP, and The Changing Markets Foundation. "Estimated Methane (Ch₄) Emissions by Major Meat and Dairy Companies Worldwide as of 2021 (in Million Metric Tons)." Statista, Statista Inc., 15 Nov 2022, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1345206/meat-and-dairy-company-methane-emissions-worldwide/
IATP & The Changing Markets Foundation, Estimated methane (CH₄) emissions by major meat and dairy companies worldwide as of 2021 (in million metric tons) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1345206/meat-and-dairy-company-methane-emissions-worldwide/ (last visited July 22, 2024)
Estimated methane (CH₄) emissions by major meat and dairy companies worldwide as of 2021 (in million metric tons) [Graph], IATP, & The Changing Markets Foundation, November 15, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1345206/meat-and-dairy-company-methane-emissions-worldwide/