#Japan #Tokyo #AEON #Retail Climate Action #Mighty Earth

Mighty Earth Releases Climate Rankings for Asian Supermarkets

Mighty Earth, a global environmental organization, has released its first climate action rankings focusing on eight leading supermarkets in Asia. Notably, Japan's Aeon claimed the top position, but alarmingly, it received just 20.5 points out of a possible 100. This score highlights the lack of sufficient action by Asian retailers in addressing climate-related pollution linked to meat, dairy, and rice supply chains.

This analysis emphasizes the increasing meat consumption in Asia and scrutinizes the climate change strategies of supermarket chains. The reliance on intensive livestock farming is a significant contributor to methane emissions, one of the most potent greenhouse gases. Japan stands as the third-largest beef importer globally, exacerbating the situation further.

According to the report, the livestock sector accounts for about 32% of human-caused methane emissions and remains a key driver of rising agricultural methane outputs. Despite the considerable impact of livestock on climate change and deforestation, the report reveals that Asian retailers continue to struggle in addressing methane emissions originating from their meat and dairy supply chains.

All the evaluated supermarkets failed to take necessary urgent actions against the massive methane emissions generated particularly from their meat, dairy, and rice products. The assessment utilized 20 indicators across six categories to evaluate the eight retail companies: Aeon and Seven & I Holdings from Japan, DFI Retail Group and Sun Art Retail Group (Dai chun fa) from Hong Kong, Walmart China, E-Mart, and Lotte Shopping from South Korea, and FairPrice Group from Singapore.

Japan's Supermarkets in the Rankings

Aeon achieved the highest score of 20.5 points but remains significantly low. The company is notable for officially acknowledging the climate impact of methane from livestock, but it has yet to implement measurable actions to mitigate these emissions.

Seven & I Holdings placed fourth with a dismal score of just 9 points out of 100. However, Aeon stands out as the only supermarket in the survey to recognize the necessity of transitioning to a plant-based diet, which is crucial for reducing methane emissions from meat and dairy products.

Retailers Must Step Up

Meihua Piao, the East Asia Manager of Mighty Earth, commented, "While Aeon and Seven & I Holdings received slightly better ratings than other Asian retailers, their progress in addressing methane emissions from food supply chains remains minimal."

The world has just experienced its third hottest year on record, partly due to methane emissions from livestock and rice production. The lack of actionable measures by such corporations is concerning. Immediate reduction of methane emissions is one of the most effective strategies to curb rising temperatures and mitigate the extreme climate impacts currently faced by Asia.

Piao argues that transparent information disclosure is a crucial initial step for Japanese retailers to confront the adverse climatic effects of methane emissions. Supermarkets can also play a unique role in enhancing consumer understanding of how their dietary choices impact the climate and encourage a shift towards plant-based diets. Recognizing this need is a glimmer of hope for both Aeon and Seven & I Holdings.

Japan's Climate Commitments

Japan signed onto the Global Methane Pledge (GMP) during the 2021 COP26 in Glasgow, promising to reduce global methane emissions by 30% by 2030 to keep global temperature rise under 1.5°C. Japan has also declared a target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Despite the pressing need for action, no retailers reported their methane emissions, and only two South Korean supermarkets received perfect scores in climate-related reporting categories. Retailers have not set adequate methane reduction targets, and no company has committed to zero deforestation policies, despite severe impacts from land conversion related to livestock and dairy production.

Urgent Actions Required from Asian Retailers

Mighty Earth calls on the eight Asian retailers to take immediate action, focusing on improving the transparency of climate-related reporting, including the disclosure of methane emissions linked to meat, dairy, and rice. The organization emphasizes the following actions:

1. Acknowledge the significant role that methane plays in their emission profiles and improve consumer awareness of this critical issue.
2. Set methane reduction targets aligned with the Global Methane Pledge, aiming for a 30% reduction by 2030.
3. Aim to increase the ratio of plant-based products to at least 60% in their offerings by 2030, reducing animal-based products to below 40%.

For the full report, it can be downloaded here.

For additional inquiries or interview requests, please contact:

• - Meihua Piao, East Asia Manager (Tokyo)
• - Email: [email protected]

• - Carole Mitchell, Global Communications Director
• - Email: [email protected]
• - Phone: +44 7917 105000

• - Sydney Jones, Media Relations Officer
• - Phone: +1 561 809 5522
• - Email: [email protected]

About Mighty Earth

Mighty Earth is a global advocacy organization devoted to protecting life on Earth by promoting nature conservation and ensuring a climate where life can thrive. The group works vigorously to reduce deforestation and climate pollution in key supply chains across palm oil, rubber, cocoa, and feed markets while also striving to improve the livelihoods of indigenous peoples and local communities in tropical regions. For further information, visit www.mightyearth.org.