food
Newsletter
Meat and dairy companies prioritize advertising over emissions reduction
Meat and dairy companies invest minimal revenue in climate measures while spending significantly on advertising, a new report reveals.
In short:
- Major meat and dairy companies allocate a small fraction of their revenue to emissions reduction, with Brazilian giant JBS spending just 0.03%.
- The sector, responsible for over 14% of global greenhouse gas emissions, faces accusations of greenwashing due to misleading sustainability claims.
- Companies target younger consumers through social media, while opposing stricter environmental laws behind the scenes.
Key quote:
“They claim to be committed to climate solutions while employing deceptive tactics to distract, delay and derail meaningful action. These tactics mirror those of Big Oil and Big Tobacco, allowing them to continue their harmful practices unchecked.”
— Nusa Urbancic, CEO of Changing Markets Foundation
Why this matters:
Agriculture, particularly livestock farming, is responsible for a substantial share of greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas emitted by cattle, and the extensive land and water resources required for meat and dairy production, pose significant environmental challenges. Despite these issues, major players in the industry have made only minimal commitments to reduce their carbon footprint.
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Credit: mikeledray/Big Stock Photo
Nevada encourages farmers to sell water rights to address groundwater depletion
Nevada's driest areas are testing a new program where farmers sell their water rights to reduce groundwater overuse and protect future agricultural prospects.
In short:
- Nevada's pilot program, funded with $25 million in federal aid, aims to purchase water rights from farmers to prevent aquifer depletion.
- The program received significant interest, with offers exceeding available funds, primarily from Diamond Valley farmers.
- Some farmers see selling water rights as a necessary adjustment, while others, especially older ones nearing retirement, find it a beneficial financial decision.
Key quote:
“We knew a lot of people moved to Nevada to farm, but we didn’t really think that many people would be successful or use their full allocations. They didn’t have the scientific understanding we do today.”
— Jeff Fontaine, the executive director of the Central Nevada Regional Water Authority
Why this matters:
Reducing groundwater use is vital for the sustainability of farming in Nevada's dry regions. Without these measures, over-pumping could lead to severe water shortages, threatening the future of agriculture and local communities.
Related EHN coverage:
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Decades-old oil industry magazine predicted climate crisis, starvation
In 1977, a publication by a predecessor of Marathon Petroleum warned that rising global temperatures could cause severe economic and social disruptions, including widespread starvation.
In short:
- The 1977 article from Marathon Petroleum's predecessor predicted climate-related disasters due to industrial expansion.
- The lawsuit claims Marathon and other companies concealed their knowledge of climate risks for decades.
- Marathon is accused of opposing climate policies while privately acknowledging the dangers of carbon emissions.
Key quote:
"The climate is not going to get better, only worse. Over the long haul, we are going to have to brace ourselves for the prospect of a lot of poor harvests."
— J Murray Mitchell, NOAA scientist
Why this matters:
Companies like Marathon Petroleum knew about climate change risks long ago but continued to prioritize profit over environmental responsibility. Understanding this history is vital for holding them accountable and addressing current climate challenges.
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Credit: Susan Montgomery/Big Stock Photo
Hot weather poses new threat to salmon migration
Record-high temperatures in Washington state threaten the migration of sockeye salmon in the Columbia River Basin, raising concerns among fisheries managers about the future of these fish.
In short:
- A heat wave has pushed water temperatures in the Columbia River Basin above the 68-degree threshold preferred by sockeye salmon.
- The Okanogan River, a critical path for migrating sockeye, has seen temperatures near 83 degrees, risking the fish's journey to spawning grounds.
- Fisheries managers are considering interventions like trucking fish upstream to help them bypass dangerous thermal barriers.
Key quote:
“Those water temperatures are warmer than ever this year. Literally, they’re almost too warm to swim in.”
— Tom Iverson, regional coordinator for the Yakama Nation Fisheries
Why this matters:
Warmer water can severely impede salmon migration, threatening the species' survival and impacting ecosystems. Long-term climate trends could make these heatwaves more frequent, challenging conservation efforts.
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Credit: Magiorestock/Big Stock Photo
The people who supply food in America are facing hunger
Climate change and rising costs are forcing many farmworkers in the U.S. to struggle with food insecurity.
In short:
- Farmworkers like Rosa Morales face extreme heat, low wages, and lack of protection while working.
- Rising food prices and decreased crop yields due to climate change worsen their financial strain.
- Many farmworkers are ineligible for federal aid, leading to reliance on community gardens and food pantries.
Key quote:
“When we talk about supply chains and food prices going up, we are not thinking about the people who are producing that food, or getting it off the fields and onto our plates.”
— Nezahualcoyotl Xiuhtecutli, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
Why this matters:
Farmworkers, who are already among the lowest-paid laborers in the country, are bearing the brunt of climate-driven disasters and inflation. Extreme weather events like droughts, floods, and heatwaves are reducing crop yields and disrupting work schedules. This not only diminishes their earnings but also exacerbates the physical strain of their jobs. The rising costs of living, driven by inflation, are stretching their already thin budgets to the breaking point.
Be sure to read:
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Credit: TatyanaGl/Big Stock Photo
Lab-grown pet food gains approval in the UK
Britain has authorized the sale of lab-grown meat for pet food, marking a pioneering step in Europe.
In short:
- Meatly, a British biotech company, received approval to sell lab-grown chicken cell meat for pets.
- The UK’s move follows Brexit, enabling more flexible regulations compared to the EU.
- Advocates highlight environmental and ethical benefits, such as reduced animal slaughter and pollution.
Key quote:
“We don’t need to raise or kill any animals…Instead of 50 billion chickens a year, it’s one egg, one time, and we’ve created an infinite amount of meat.”
— Owen Ensor, chief executive of Meatly
Why this matters:
Lab-grown pet food can significantly reduce the environmental impact of pet ownership by cutting down on traditional livestock farming. This innovation also addresses ethical concerns associated with meat production, potentially transforming the pet food industry.
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Credit: Military_Material/Pixabay
NATO faces mounting challenges due to climate change
A NATO report reveals that climate change is increasingly complicating global security and NATO's operational capabilities.
In short:
- Climate change is intensifying extreme weather, which disrupts NATO operations and strains resources.
- The Arctic's melting ice and depleting fish stocks are expected to increase regional competition and security challenges.
- Cyber risks are growing, with climate disinformation campaigns threatening global climate action.
Key quote:
“Climate change exacerbates resource scarcity, leading to conflicts over water and food. It can also impact large-scale migrations, which can destabilize regions and strain national security, leading to humanitarian crises and increased pressure on receiving countries’ resources and infrastructure.”
— Jason Bordoff, director of the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University
Why this matters:
Climate change is not only an environmental issue but also a significant threat to global security. As extreme weather events become more frequent, NATO must adapt its strategies to ensure readiness and support for civilian authorities in disaster responses.
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