A draft report by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) has been criticised by former and current FAO officials for failing to recommend less animal farming. Livestock’s contribution to greenhouse gas emissions range from 12%-20% of the global total, mainly through methane from ruminants like cows and sheep and deforestation for pasture. A 2024 survey of scientists and sustainable agriculture experts showed significant support for emissions reductions in the livestock sector to help keep global warming to internationally agreed limits. However, the FAO’s draft report strongly supports the growth of the sector, stating that livestock’s contributions to food security, nutrition and raw materials for industry are integral for economic and human development. Guy Pe’er, a conservation ecologist at the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research and the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, disagrees with the draft report’s findings. Speaking to Climate Home New, Pe’er emphasised the need for findings backed by science: “We’re currently using more land to feed livestock than humans, and that is causing rapid deforestation in Brazil. Ignoring that is outrageous. When an official organisation is producing disinformation like this, I find it extremely irresponsible.” The final report is due to be published in 2025.
