NEW YORK— Researchers and advocates will lead an interactive discussion during Climate Week NYC on how the food industry, particularly the meat and dairy industries, shape narratives, science and reporting on the role of food systems in the climate crisis.
This timely conversation takes place ahead of global climate negotiations, where meat and dairy lobbyists have increasingly focused their attention.
The expert panel will share reporting trends and media perspectives on food and climate coverage, insights from investigations into industry-led backlash to a major scientific study, and analysis of nutrition misinformation superspreaders. The panel will discuss how these false narratives influence public opinion and policymaking, as well as strategies to shift the narrative toward one rooted in science and climate action.
What: “Navigating Narratives on Climate Change and Food Systems” is an interactive, expert-led event on science and storytelling in the age of disinformation and greenwashing. Co-hosted by the Center for Biological Diversity, Brighter Green, and Changing Markets Foundation
When: Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, 2:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. EDT
Where: MacDowell, New York, 521 W. 23rd St., 2nd floor, New York, NY 10011 (just west of 10th Avenue, near the High Line)
Who: A panel of experts on food systems and communications, including: Stephanie Feldstein, population and sustainability director, Center for Biological Diversity; Marlana Malerich, co-founder, Rooted Research; Michael Silberman, founder, Food Disinfo Lab; Alex Tey, researcher and independent journalist, Center for Biological Diversity and Brighter Green; and Nusa Urbancic, CEO, Changing Markets Foundation.
This event is free and open to the public.
The public event will be followed by an invite-only roundtable discussion for reporters. For more information, contact Stephanie Feldstein at [email protected].
Background
Food production contributes one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions, most of which comes from meat and dairy production. At the same time, food systems are particularly vulnerable to the ravages of climate change. The current food system also has an outsized role in the loss of biodiversity and forests, increased water pollution and conflicts.
As understanding of food and agriculture’s role in the climate crisis has increased, so too has media attention on the topic. However, despite this growing attention, food and agriculture issues remain a small portion of climate media coverage and action to mitigate harm from the current food system is slow or non-existent largely because of the powerful agribusiness lobby and its allies.
From greenwashing to disinformation, industry tactics have undermined what should be a clear, science-driven discourse, exposing the need for resources to help the public and media confront these false narratives and advance an evidence-based, solutions-focused conversation for a sustainable, climate-compatible food future.
