Mighty Earth Sues JBS USA Over Alleged Climate Greenwashing in D.C.

Environmental advocacy group Mighty Earth has filed a lawsuit against JBS USA, the U.S. unit of Brazilian meatpacking giant JBS, accusing the company of misleading the public with false climate claims regarding its pledge to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. The lawsuit alleges JBS USA engages in greenwashing by omitting key information, particularly failing to address Scope 3 emissions that constitute 97% of its total emissions, including those from deforestation-linked cattle sourcing. Mighty Earth contends that JBS's net-zero target lacks a credible plan and that the company profits from these misleading claims by issuing sustainability-linked bonds, which lowered its borrowing costs. JBS has categorically rejected these allegations, asserting that its sustainability goals are transparent, science-based, and audited, emphasizing measurable progress toward reducing environmental impact. The legal action highlights growing scrutiny of JBS's environmental practices ahead of global climate talks in Brazil and follows similar cases by regulators such as New York Attorney General Letitia James. This case underscores broader concerns about corporate accountability and consumer protection in the context of climate commitments by major industry players.