Some of the world’s biggest makers and users of dairy products are failing to cut emissions of the climate-critical gas methane, a detailed analysis has found.

Methane is a major driver of rapid climate heating, being 80 times more powerful than carbon dioxide, though shorter lived. Cutting the gas is seen as a quick win to help keep global heating below 1.5°C. Livestock is the largest human-driven source of emissions, with around 8% down to dairy alone.

The non-profit Changing Markets Foundation scored 20 major dairy brands and large coffee house chains that are heavy users of dairy, based on their methane reduction goals, action plans, accounting and reporting.

The results are stark. Although all firms except Dunkin’, Starbucks and UK dairy company Froneri admit methane or livestock is a climate problem, only two firms (Nestlé and Danone) claim to have actually reduced methane emissions. Most lack clear methane-related targets, credible action plans or even basic transparency on emissions. None of the firms, which dominate European and North American markets and together rake in over $420 billion annually, are pledging to reduce dairy product sales. Nearly all (18 of 20 firms) scored less than half the available points. Only six (Arla, Danone, DMK, General Mills, Bel and Saputo) track their methane emissions directly, while only four disclose them.

Coffee chains are all in the bottom nine worst companies for methane inaction. Dunkin’ scored zero points for its complete lack of targets, plans and disclosures. Rough estimates suggest Starbucks US uses approximately 750 million litres of dairy milk annually, making dairy the largest single source of carbon emissions across its operations and supply chain.

Danone came top of the table, but with just 59 out of 100 points. It stands out as the only firm with a methane-specific target and a plan to hit it. Most companies have neither. General Mills came next with 53.5 points, having published a climate target and plans but not one specific to methane. Nestlé and Arla Foods tied for third on 49 points. Nestlé was the only firm to explicitly support reduced public consumption of dairy, though shied away from cuts to dairy product sales.

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