Don’t be fooled by the cover:
Climate destruction is in JBS’s DNA
JBS is the world’s largest meat company. It claims to be serious about climate action but retailers and investors need to read beyond the PR spin. In reality, JBS is a…
- Climate wrecker: It is the highest emitting meat and dairy company in the world, with a carbon footprint estimated to be larger than Spain’s, and methane emissions which outpace all other livestock companies.
- Forest destroyer: From 2019 – 2020, JBS was linked to over 125,000 hectares of deforestation in Brazil – an area nearly as large as Sao Paulo. Through livestock and commodities, the company continues to drive deforestation in Brazil and beyond. Their woefully inadequate pledge to be deforestation-free by 2035 doesn’t account for all its supply chains and means another decade of destruction.
- Human rights abuser: Since 2017, JBS has paid billions in fines for corruption, environmental harms and human rights abuses.
- Factory farming giant: JBS slaughters millions of chickens, pigs and cows every day who are often kept in cruel and unsafe conditions
JBS plans to list on the New York Stock Exchange, which could provide access to more funds to expand its destructive operations.
This power move would also diminish minority shareholder voting rights, reducing scrutiny over JBS’s climate and human rights issues.
Investors need to look beyond JBS’s greenwash. Since launching its net-zero plan in 2021, JBS has backtracked on climate commitments, reinforcing its reputation as one of the most environmentally damaging companies to seek a NYSE listing since the Paris Agreement.
If investors and retailers are serious about their climate action they must drop JBS or risk the integrity of their commitments.
© Christian Braga / Greenpeace
Who is responsible?
The finance, food and leather sectors all have a role in allowing JBS to get away with its destructive business model. JBS’s customers and financial backers must stop funding the climate and nature crises. They have the power to say no to all forms of deforestation and tackle climate-wrecking emissions from livestock in their supply chains and investment portfolios.
Forest-Destroying
Finance
Forest-Destroying
Supermarkets
From burgers to bacon and chicken breasts, JBS products end up on supermarket shelves and fast food menus across the world. Many of the retailers, such as UK supermarket Tesco, have deforestation-free commitments in place, yet continue to source products from JBS-owned companies like Moy Park and Pilgrims Pride.
Forest-Destroying
Leather
Leather is a vital and valuable part of the cattle industry. JBS Couros is the world’s largest producer of leather. The value of the Brazilian leather industry alone is estimated at over $50 billion. 80% of Brazil’s leather from cattle is exported and used in the car, furniture and fashion industries.
What is the solution?
Associating with JBS-owned companies implicates you in illegal deforestation, corruption, human rights abuses, and severe pollution. Some UK supermarkets have already dropped some JBS products, and investors are scrubbing them from their portfolios. Don’t be complicit — drop JBS.
Deforestation-Free
Finance
JBS’s financial backers must stop bankrolling the company’s expansion and align their portfolios with climate goals.
Deforestation-Free
Food
Supermarkets like Tesco need to drop all climate and forest destroyers and stop selling meat from the JBS Group.
Deforestation-Free
Leather
Car companies, furniture makers and fashion retailers must stop sourcing leather from JBS.
Find out more
JBS’s continued links to forest destruction and broken promises have been called out by numerous NGOs. Read more here:
