Before giant meat producer JBS expands to Nigeria, people deserve answers (commentary)

Nigeria could soon host one of the country's largest meat industry investments. JBS, the world's biggest meat producer, is reportedly investing $2.5 billion, which could transform parts of the nation's agricultural landscape. While many view this move favorably for its potential economic advantages, it raises crucial questions for Nigerians to consider before proceeding.

The focus thus far has been on job creation, agricultural advancement, food security, and economic opportunities. These are indeed significant objectives. However, another aspect warrants far more critical examination: methane emissions. JBS is more than just the world's leading meat producer; it is also a substantial contributor to methane emissions.

Estimates from Greenpeace in 2024 suggest that JBS releases more methane than the combined output of ExxonMobil and Shell. Despite JBS's denial of these claims, the broader issue cannot be overlooked: when assessed by their climate impact, the world's largest meat companies are increasingly comparable to the world's largest fossil fuel corporations.

Methane seldom garners the same public scrutiny as carbon dioxide, yet it plays a pivotal role in today's warming climate. It is estimated to be responsible for about a third of the warming currently observed. While much of the discourse revolves around oil and gas industries, industrial livestock farming is also a significant source of methane emissions, contributing significantly to the… This piece was initially published on Mongabay.