Global Meat & Dairy Giants Emit More GHGs Than Saudi Arabia

Major meat and dairy corporations are generating combined greenhouse gas emissions comparable to some of the largest fossil fuel producers, according to a recent analysis released ahead of the COP30 climate talks in Belém, Brazil.

The study, Roasting the Planet: Big Meat and Dairy’s Big Emissions, estimates that 45 major meat and dairy companies emitted over 1 billion tonnes of CO₂-equivalent greenhouse gases in 2023/22, surpassing the emissions reported for Saudi Arabia, the world’s second-largest oil producer.

The top five emitters—JBS, Marfrig, Tyson, Minerva, and Cargill—accounted for approximately 480 million tonnes of CO₂-equivalent emissions, more than the combined emissions reported for Chevron, Shell, or BP.

Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, constitutes more than half of these emissions. The estimated methane emissions from these 45 companies exceed the reported methane emissions of all EU countries and the UK combined.

Despite pledges to reduce emissions, these companies continue to drive climate-polluting production systems. Experts emphasize the need for urgent policy action to regulate emissions and support a transition toward more sustainable, lower-emitting farming systems.

Source : Dairynews7x7 Oct 21st 2025 Read full story here