UN Report on Livestock Emissions Under Fire for Distorting Key Research

A recent UN report on livestock emissions, crafted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), is currently under scrutiny. Two leading researchers, whose studies were cited in the report, claim their work was misrepresented to downplay the impact of reducing meat consumption on global emissions.

Source: Vox/YouTube

Paul Behrens of Leiden University and Matthew Hayek of New York University have expressed concerns over the FAO’s handling of their research. They argue that the report contains “systematic errors” and “inappropriately” uses data, leading to a significant underestimation of how dietary changes could mitigate climate effects. According to the researchers, agriculture accounts for 23% of global greenhouse emissions, with a considerable portion emanating from livestock through methane release and deforestation.

The criticism comes in the wake of the FAO’s latest publication at the Cop28 climate summit, which marked the third time the organization has reduced its estimation of livestock’s role in global heating. The disputed report utilized a 2017 study by Behrens to suggest that dietary shifts could only marginally reduce emissions by 2 to 5%.

Behrens has countered this claim, highlighting that the data from his 2017 study are now outdated. He points to newer dietary guidelines in countries like Germany, which now recommend diets comprising 75% plant-based foods. Furthermore, a recent survey among over 200 climate scientists found that 78% believe reducing livestock numbers is crucial to combat climate change.

The FAO has defended its report, stating it underwent a thorough double-blind peer review to ensure accuracy and integrity. However, this has not quelled the concerns of Behrens and Hayek, who accuse the FAO of using methods that skew data in favor of high meat consumption, potentially misguiding policy decisions and public perception. The duo is calling for a reevaluation of the FAO’s findings to better reflect the substantial climate benefits of reducing meat in diets worldwide.

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