A recent study by the Institute for Agriculture & Trade Policy (IATP) has revealed interesting information: in 2017, 13 of the globe’s largest dairy corporations emitted more greenhouse gases (GHG) combined than BHP and ConocoPhillips, the two major carbon polluters of the world. The report stated that the total combined emissions released by big names in dairy industry, such as Group Lactalis, Saputo, Danone, and Amul, increased by 11% between 2015 and 2017. What is worrying is that while there is evidence to suggest that the food system is responsible for about 37% of global emissions, there is little public attention on the meat and dairy industry, unlike the mounting scrutiny received by the fossil fuel corporations.

Unsurprisingly, the meat and dairy industry have denied these claims. The European Dairy Association (EDA) has called the findings “an insult… to any rational thinking”, arguing that six of the named 13 dairy companies were based in Europe and, as such, are “fully subscribed to the EU Green Deal with [a] shared ambition to make Europe the first climate neutral continent by 2050.”

The IATP study makes a good opportunity to revisit our post on the ASEAN Vegan Map, which shows online interest in the subject of veganism across Southeast Asia. The piece compliments our previous preliminary survey findings that suggest a rise of plant-based diets, particularly among young professionals.