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The Meat Industry has an Aggressive Strategy for COP28

The upcoming COP28 climate conference in Dubai is set to become the battleground for a strategic communications campaign orchestrated by major meat companies and lobby groups. Leaked documents obtained by The Guardian and DeSmog reveal an extensive plan by the Global Meat Alliance (GMA), representing industry giants like JBS, the world’s largest meat company, to promote a pro-meat message at the summit. The focus is on countering the growing criticism of the meat industry’s environmental impact, particularly its significant contribution to greenhouse gas emissions.

The documents emphasize the industry’s intention to showcase “scientific evidence” supporting the claim that meat is somehow environmentally beneficial. Members of the alliance are directed to adhere to key communication messages, including the assertion that meat contributes positively to the environment. This messaging is a response to the mounting pressure on meat and dairy companies due to their substantial greenhouse gas emissions, with the dairy industry alone responsible for 3.4% of global human-induced emissions.

Trade groups associated with the meat industry are outlined in the documents as planning to influence discussions at COP28. The intent is to encourage the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization to host “positive livestock content.” However, concerns have been raised about the potential impact of industry pressure on shaping the narrative, as seen in recent cases of censorship of reports on cattle’s role in increasing greenhouse gas emissions.

The leaked documents acknowledge the significant role of animal agriculture as the largest emitter of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Scientists warn that without prompt action, methane emissions from agriculture alone could push global temperatures beyond the critical 1.5°C rise, triggering irreversible climate breakdown. The industry’s proactive stance at COP28 suggests a concerted effort to counteract the increasing scrutiny and potential regulatory measures.

Experts note that major meat companies are intensifying their efforts in anticipation of heightened exposure and scrutiny. The fear of reduced demand for meat and dairy products, stemming from credible actions to cut emissions in the food sector, is driving the industry’s deployment of multiple tactics to delay inevitable changes.

The documents reveal that companies attending COP28 will be accompanied by lobby groups, some of which have a history of obstructive actions. Government Support plays a crucial role, with countries like Australia and the US, major beef exporters, having strong economic interests in supporting the growth of their meat industries. This Support, highlighted in the documents, influences the continued dominance of the animal agriculture industry over alternative sources.

The documents also shed light on challenges faced by alternative protein sources, indicating a significant disparity in public funding between meat and dairy farmers and new alternative protein sources. This financial Support, coupled with the industry’s influence on policy, underscores the need to address the close relationship between governments and the meat industry.