A new study by Changing Markets Foundation reveals that the EU will struggle to deliver on the 30% cut in emissions promised under the Global Methane Pledge and the 45% cut demanded by the science if it does not reduce livestock numbers.
The report shows that the EU is currently on track to deliver 17% methane reductions by 2030, significantly less than what scientists say is needed to stop global temperatures from rising above 1.5C. The study also sets out what measures the EU could employ – across energy, waste and agriculture – to deliver on the pledge and the science.
The biggest potential comes from policies that would drive the uptake of healthier diets. Reductions of 38 – 47% can be achieved if half of Europeans reduce their meat and dairy consumption, and additional measures – including action to tackle food loss and waste – are introduced alongside existing plans.
The study concludes that the maximum reduction from all available measures could be up to 68%.
