CSSN researchers and colleagues Maya Bach, Loredana Loy, Katharine Mach, Sonali Shukla McDermid, and Jennifer Jacquet find that 98% of recent environmental claims by major meat and dairy companies can be characterized as greenwashing.

“Greenwashing is common across industries, but it’s especially concerning from the meat and dairy sector because it creates the illusion of climate progress without meaningful action in companies that produce animal-based foods, which have disproportionately high emissions relative to other kinds of foods,” said Maya Bach,  a graduate student at the University of Miami lead author who worked with a team including CSSN’s associate research director Jennifer Jacquet on the study. “This can mislead the public, influence consumers, and reduce pressure on policymakers to call for strong climate regulations.”