JBS has published a response to our joint research into its greenhouse gas emissions and requested that we retract our emissions estimates.  

The JBS response makes incorrect assumptions about our methodology. Our estimates were based on the best publicly available information at the time of our research, and our methodology is explained here.

In its response, JBS stated its desire for “transparent” dialogue to “improve industry standards” and tackle the climate crisis. 

Transparency must begin with JBS’ public disclosure of comprehensive and consistent annual slaughter figures and company-specific emissions data. These would include a complete reporting of all its scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions data. All data should be independently verified. In its response to our estimates, JBS has declined to provide its slaughter figures, its processing capacity utilisation rates and other data necessary to calculate its emissions. 

The public, governments, consumers and investors can only have confidence in JBS’ progress towards its announced target of reaching net-zero emissions by 2040 if it discloses such data. Furthermore, such disclosure is central to ensuring that JBS is setting and meeting the right targets to help avert climate change. 

There can be no fact-checking of corporate net-zero and climate targets without this level of disclosure. In the absence of such disclosure, the best available public data must be relied on to assess whether global corporations are meeting climate targets that science requires to limit global warming to 1.5˚C.

Our research highlights the pressing need for regulators to require full, independently verified disclosure of emissions by JBS and all livestock companies to ensure that corporate net-zero promises are more than just greenwash. 

The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP) 

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