Tell the New York Times: Stop Greenwashing Meat Production

The New York Times has long been regarded as a trusted source of news and analysis. But in their recent article, "Meat Is Back on the Menu in America’s Culture Wars," the Times failed its readers and the planet by glossing over the devastating climate impacts of meat production. 

Instead of honestly addressing how beef consumption drives deforestation, methane emissions, and global warming, the article framed meat-eating as a mere cultural preference, with no serious mention of its significant environmental costs.

This omission isn’t just irresponsible, it’s dangerous. According to climate scientists, shifting away from animal agriculture, especially beef, is one of the most powerful actions individuals and societies can take to combat the climate crisis. In fact, a recent study by a team of environmental scientists found that red meat, especially beef, “cannot be part of an environmentally sustainable diet.” 

Livestock farming alone is responsible for nearly 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions. That is more than all the world’s cars, planes, and ships combined. Ignoring these facts, or treating them as secondary to culture wars, undermines urgent efforts to protect our future and does not serve anyone’s interests–except the meat industry’s.

The New York Times has a responsibility to its readers and to the truth. Journalism should empower the public with accurate information about the challenges we face, not shield industries from accountability for the sake of a stylish and trendy story. By failing to mention the climate impact of meat production, the Times is greenwashing a major contributor to the climate emergency and misleading millions.

Sign the petition to call on the New York Times to:

1. Acknowledge the significant climate impacts of meat and dairy production in any future reporting on food, agriculture, or sustainability.

2. Commit to fact-based, science-driven journalism that does not downplay the environmental consequences of our food systems.

3. Issue an editorial note recognizing this serious oversight in the April 18 article.

The climate crisis demands honesty. Readers deserve the full story–not one sanitized to protect polluting industries. Tell the New York Times: stop greenwashing meat production and start telling the truth.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/18/dining/meat-beef-restaurants-politics.html

https://www.sciencealert.com/scientists-calculated-how-much-meat-you-can-sustainably-eat-in-a-week