The cow in the room – scientists call out BS!
Over 20 scientists have written to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) expressing shock at its failure to revise or withdraw their 2023 Pathways toward lower emissions report, launched at last December’s COP28 climate summit. The report downplays how much reducing animal foods could cut agricultural greenhouse gases. Two of its cited academics, Paul Behrens and Matthew Hayek, say the report contains “multiple and egregious errors” and that it inappropriately used their work. Hayek suggests it underestimates potential emission savings from farming fewer livestock by a factor of between six and 40. FAO chief scientist, Beth Crawford, described the emissions forecast as “a rough estimate”.
One of the letter’s signatories, Jennifer Jacquet, a professor of environmental science and policy at the University of Miami, said: “It seems clear to me that some of the choices made by the FAO in their methodology were just there to uphold the status quo of increasing meat production and consumption.”
Nelsen A. 2024. Scientists criticise UN agency’s failure to withdraw livestock emissions report. Available from: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/sep/30/scientists-criticise-un-agency-fao-failure-to-withdraw-livestock-emissions-report
About the author
Dr. Justine Butler
Justine joined Viva! in 2005 after graduating from Bristol University with a PhD in molecular biology. After working as a campaigner, then researcher and writer, she is now Viva!’s head of research and her work focuses on animals, the environment and health. Justine’s scientific training helps her research and write both in-depth scientific reports, such as White Lies and the Meat Report, as well as easy-to-read factsheets and myth-busting articles for consumer magazines and updates on the latest research. Justine also recently wrote the Vegan for the Planet guide for Viva!’s Vegan Now campaign.
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