National Cattlemen’s Association allegedly ran 1990s climate misinformation campaign

Researchers have uncovered evidence that the National Cattlemen’s Association (NCA), a major U.S. beef industry lobbying group, launched a strategic campaign in the 1990s to downplay the industry’s impact on climate change.

A study published in PLOS Climate, based on internal documents from 1986 to 1996, suggests the NCA was aware of the beef industry’s significant methane emissions and potential reduction methods. Instead of implementing changes, the association allegedly worked to cast doubt on climate science and seed misinformation through newspapers to influence public opinion.

The researchers, Jennifer Jacquet and Loredana Loy from the University of Miami, stated that the NCA’s communications effort aimed to convince the public that beef production should not be a primary focus for global warming mitigation. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association has not responded to requests for comment.