Environment

Dairy and coffee giants largely fail to tackle methane emissions, report finds

Sunday, 18 May 2025 12:14AM UTC

A Changing Markets Foundation report reveals that only two of twenty major dairy and coffee companies have committed to meaningful methane reduction targets, despite these sectors accounting for 8% of global methane emissions. The exposé highlights widespread industry complacency and lack of transparency amid urgent climate concerns.

A recent report from the Changing Markets Foundation has unveiled a shocking complacency among major dairy and coffee brand leaders regarding the urgent need to curtail methane emissions. Titled "Running Latte," the exposé highlights that amidst the heightened scrutiny of climate impact, only two of the twenty companies evaluated have genuinely committed to significant reductions in these harmful emissions. Combined, these giants generate approximately 8% of the world’s methane emissions, an alarming figure considering methane's potency—being over 80 times more effective than carbon dioxide in trapping heat over a two-decade span.

The assessment, which included industry heavyweights from Europe and North America with collective revenues exceeding $420 billion, painted a grim picture: only six companies even engaged meaningfully with the Changing Markets Foundation during the evaluation process. Notable absentees, like Starbucks and Kraft Heinz, failed to offer any substantial feedback or demonstrate accountability in their emissions tracking. Of those that did respond, a mere six track their methane emissions directly, with only four going further to publish their data. This lack of transparency raises significant concerns as the world grapples with the climate emergency.

The report's scoring system starkly illustrated the shortcomings within the industry. Eighteen out of the twenty companies scored below 50 out of 100 for their practices surrounding methane accounting, reduction targets, and commitment to transparency. Danone emerged as the frontrunner with a score of 59, primarily due to its concrete, time-bound goal of achieving a 30% reduction in methane emissions by 2030—a commitment that aligns with the Global Methane Pledge initiated by over 150 governments aiming for similar reductions. General Mills and Nestlé followed, the latter having publicly supported a reduction in dairy consumption without yet committing to a decrease in sales.

However, the report's findings were particularly disheartening regarding the coffee industry. Dunkin’ received a zero for not setting any targets or proactively addressing its methane emissions, while Starbucks, despite being one of the largest consumers of dairy milk in the U.S., failed to release a methane-specific strategy. This oversight represents a glaring gap in awareness and responsibility, as dairy is estimated to be Starbucks' most significant emissions source.

Amidst discussions at COP28 regarding the establishment of the Dairy Methane Action Alliance (DMAA), the report suggests that the reality of corporate engagement has been far from impactful. Of the eight founding members of the DMAA, only three had established methane reduction targets as of April 2025, calling into question the efficacy of such alliances. Although three new members have since joined and made some progress by releasing emissions data and plans, many others remain non-compliant with the accountability requirements.

The Changing Markets Foundation’s chief executive, Nusa Urbancic, remarked, “The near-total absence of methane-specific targets and credible action plans sends a clear signal: companies are turning a blind eye to emissions of one of the most potent and solvable drivers of global heating.” This reflects a broader trend where industries are prioritising public relations over real, substantive action towards climate mitigation.

Urbancic further warned against the phenomenon of “agricultural exceptionalism,” where the agriculture sector is largely exempt from stringent climate regulations imposed on other industries like energy and transportation. The wide failure to tackle methane emissions, in comparison to the vigorous initiatives targeting fossil fuels, showcases a troubling inconsistency in climate policy. The report calls for dairy companies to align with global emission targets and urges coffee chains to equalise the pricing of alternative milks to promote sustainable consumer choices.

In summary, the findings present a strong case for an urgent shift in how major dairy and coffee brands approach their methane emissions. As these sectors are unveiled as significant players in driving climate change, the need for accountability and concrete action has never been more pressing. The report makes it clear that while promises are plentiful, the industry must back them up with real, measurable changes to protect our planet for future generations.

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Source: Noah Wire Services

More on this

https://www.sustainabletimes.co.uk/post/top-dairy-and-coffee-brands-delay-action-on-methane-emissions - Please view link - unable to able to access data
https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/decarbonizing-industries/blindspot-over-methane-emissions-put-dairy-beef-sectors-risk-say-investors-2024-06-17/ - An article highlighting the significant methane emissions from the dairy and beef sectors, emphasizing the need for concrete reduction targets and comprehensive reporting to mitigate climate risks.
https://www.foodnavigator.com/Article/2024/04/15/how-danone-is-reducing-methane-emissions-from-dairy/ - A report detailing Danone's commitment to reducing methane emissions from its dairy supply chain by 30% by 2030, including strategies like regenerative agriculture and feed additives.
https://changingmarkets.org/press-releases/big-emissions-empty-promises/ - An exposé revealing how major meat and dairy corporations promote regenerative agriculture initiatives without delivering substantial emissions reductions, often using them to report offset emissions.
https://changingmarkets.org/press-releases/groundbreaking-report-reveals-how-meat-and-dairy-industries-have-derailed-climate-action-globally/ - A report exposing how the meat and dairy industries have obstructed global climate action, including using influencers to claim milk helps reduce emissions and lobbying to weaken policies.
https://www.agriculture.com/food-makers-say-they-will-reduce-methane-emissions-on-dairy-farms-8411309 - An article discussing commitments from major food companies like Bel Group and Danone to reduce methane emissions from dairy farms, highlighting the need for clear targets and plans.
https://www.just-food.com/news/cop28-nestle-danone-among-six-food-signatories-to-dairy-methane-alliance/ - A news piece covering the launch of the Dairy Methane Alliance at COP28, with six major food companies pledging to disclose annual emissions and implement methane action plans.

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 9

Notes: The narrative references recent events, such as discussions at COP28 and data from April 2025, indicating it is likely current and not recycled.

Quotes check

Score: 8

Notes: The quote from Nusa Urbancic, while insightful, cannot be verified as it is not found in previous articles. However, it appears to be original to this context.

Source reliability

Score: 6

Notes: The narrative originates from Sustainable Times, which is not a widely recognized publication like major news outlets. However, it references a report from the Changing Markets Foundation, which adds credibility.

Plausability check

Score: 8

Notes: The claims about methane emissions and corporate inaction are plausible, given the known challenges in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Lack of evidence does not automatically invalidate these assertions.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM

Summary: The narrative provides a plausible critique of major dairy and coffee brands' methane emissions practices. While the origin is from a less recognized source, the inclusion of a report from Changing Markets Foundation adds credibility. The recent references suggest it is current, but the lack of verification for some claims keeps the assessment open.

Methane emissions
Climate change
Dairy industry
Coffee industry
Environmental accountability