Global dairy giant, Danone, has announced its methane emissions reduction target that aligns with the Global Methane Pledge. The company aims to reduce methane emissions from its fresh milk supply chain by 30 percent by 2030 and expects to remove 1.2 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent of methane missions during that time.
Danone already reduced its methane emissions by 14 percent between 2018 and 2020.
“Dairy products are an affordable source of nutrition for many people, at the core of our mission to bring health through food. As one of the largest dairy companies, we take the challenge of both producing more (to feed a growing population) and greatly reducing emissions and impact on climate,” said Antoine de Saint-Affrique, CEO of Danone
“Our ambitious plan to reduce methane emissions – in line with Global Methane Pledges from 150 countries – is a commitment to build regenerative dairy. This step change requires a collective effort. Working with farmers, partners and governments, we have the power and duty to build farming models that benefit the climate and society, taking a step forward to tackling global warming together.”
The company is partnering with the Environmental Defense Fund, a global non-profit organisation that works in nearly 30 countries. Together, the organisations will work on improving science data and reporting for methane emissions, advocating for more action from the industry and governments, and advancing innovative finance models between companies and governments to deploy farmer-friendly solutions faster.
“Cutting methane emissions is one of the fastest and most effective ways to slow climate change. The dairy sector can play an important role in driving these reductions while boosting farmer livelihoods and increasing food security and nutrition. Danone is the first food company to raise this type of ambition, but it can’t be the last. This is the decisive decade for climate action. We invite other food companies, farmers and policymakers to join us on a path toward 2030 climate results,” said Fred Krupp, EDF President.
It will also work with local governments to unlock systemic solutions that support change in the dairy industry. Danone North America is working closely with the US Department of Agriculture, and Danone in Europe is supporting the European Commission’s Climate Neutral Farms project.
