A new report has revealed that just 45 of the world’s largest meat and dairy companies produce more methane emissions than the European Union and the United Kingdom combined. Published by the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP) and Changing Markets Foundation, the study exposes how industrial livestock production is driving a major share of global warming. Methane, which has 80 times more heat-trapping power than CO₂ over 20 years, largely comes from cattle burps, manure, and feed production. The report found that the five biggest emitters—including Dairy Farmers of America, Tyson Foods, Nestlé, Fonterra, and JBS—generate more methane than Russia’s entire fossil fuel sector.
Despite their vast climate footprint, few companies have credible emission-reduction plans. The report warns that unchecked livestock expansion could derail global climate goals, as agricultural methane accounts for over 40% of total human-caused methane emissions. Researchers call for governments to include large meat and dairy producers in mandatory climate reporting and to shift subsidies toward plant-based and low-emission protein alternatives. The findings come as scientists emphasize that reducing methane is the fastest way to slow global warming in the next two decades—making reform in the livestock sector a critical test of the world’s commitment to a livable climate. More