Big Beef’s continued quest to look ‘green‘
JBS, the world’s largest meat producer, is trying to get green credentials for this year’s COP30 U.N. climate summit in Brazil. Their argument: Cattle production captures greenhouse gases by making soils healthier, thus helping zero out the methane and other emissions associated with raising herds. It’s the latest in a string of efforts by the industry to pitch the idea of “green” beef. DeSmog recently obtained a strategy document detailing how the meat producers can help the public “feel better” about eating beef. A lot of JBS’s claims around greening up its operations hinge on regenerative agriculture practices. Trouble is, the upsides of those efforts tend to be overblown—particularly when you compare them to the impacts of clearing swaths of the Amazon for grazing.
What you can do: Climate and agricultural scientists agree that dialing back meat consumption is essential. Here’s a rundown of the biggest moves you can make to draw down the planet-warming potential of your diet. And remember: Even the promise of low-methane cows won’t turn beef from red to green.
A full-court press to safeguard climate science
The EPA is trying to roll back the endangerment finding—the basis for its ability to regulate greenhouse gas emissions—and the proposal is now open for public comment. In response, a coalition of climate scientists has banded together to address misinformation in the agency’s report. “A public comment from experts can be useful because it injects expert analysis into a decision-making process that might otherwise be dominated by political, economic, or ideological considerations,” Andrew Dessler, a climate researcher at Texas A&M and organizer of the response, told The Guardian. Just how many holes does the administration’s argument have? A lot. A fact-check from CarbonBrief identified more than 100 false or misleading claims in the 140-page report that forms the basis of the EPA’s case.
What you can do: While the strongest public comment about the endangerment finding will likely come from experts, there’s another place where you can make your voice heard: Secretary of Energy Chris Wright is working to revamp the National Climate Assessment, a congressionally mandated report that details the impacts of the climate crisis on the nation. Tell your reps you want them to protect the scientific integrity of that report; 5Calls has a script you can follow.
Ford goes all-in on affordable, U.S.-made EVs
Ford is betting its new EV push will be their next “Model T moment.” In a recent press conference, the automaker announced a new midsize electric truck expected to debut in 2027. Priced around $30,000, it will feature a standard truck bed, more interior space than a Toyota RAV4, and quicker acceleration than the Mustang EcoBoost. It will also use a lithium-ion phosphate battery that’s roughly one-third smaller than standard packs yet still delivers a range of 250 to 300 miles. The bigger story, however, is that this truck will be the first to use Ford’s new Universal EV Platform. The revamped production system emphasizes modularity, meaning a range of vehicles can be built on a shared architecture. The streamlined process uses 20% fewer parts and 40% fewer workstations, which Ford says will dramatically improve efficiency. In short: The factory, InsideEVs reports, could mark a major turning point in the widespread adoption of EVs.
What you can do: Not much to do right now but get stoked on the potential. Pre-orders of the new truck are not yet available, but you can talk to your Ford dealer who might be able to add you to a wait list once things are finalized.
Carbon offsets are full of conflict
Carbon markets—forums where companies and individuals buy credits that fund projects like reforestation and trading open-pit fires for clean-burning cookstoves as a means to cancel out their own emisisons—are an enticing proposition. These credits, however, rarely deliver what they promise, and a recent study in the journal Nature Communications and covered by Drilled says even credits whose claims are verified are suspect. The big problem? Conflicts of interest. Auditors tasked with validating carbon credits are often hired and paid by the very project developers seeking approval. This creates pressure to approve offsetting schemes that may not meet environmental standards, further staining the credibility of the entire system.
What you can do: As an individual, you’ll most often be offered carbon credits when you’re buying a plane ticket; don’t do it. There are better ways to compensate for the emissions of your travel—and your money’s probably better spent supporting a local conservation organization.