NatWest to correct misleading claims about livestock emissions

NatWest’s Digital Banking team is to undertake a full review of its greenhouse gas tracker app, after complaints that it was encouraging customers to go vegetarian.

The “Carbon footprint tracker” on the bank’s general app is designed to trawl customer accounts and advise them on ways of reducing their greenhouse gas emissions, based on their shopping patterns.

See also: Video: How the industry is fighting red meat myths

As well as suggestions such as “buying more second-hand clothes” and “taking fewer flights”, customers have been advised to cut red meat out of their diet and drink plant-based milks.

An article in The Telegraph earlier this month said the bank now has more than 300,000 active users of the app, who can “opt in” to receive a monthly carbon score as well as tips on how to reduce it.

Criticism

But the initiative has drawn sharp criticism from the NFU, which has met with NatWest executives to explain that their messaging is “oversimplified”.

“British meat and dairy are among the most sustainable in the world, with UK beef emissions less than half the global average,” said NFU deputy president Tom Bradshaw.

“Red meat and dairy are also recognised as an essential part of a healthy diet, being naturally rich sources of protein and calcium and providing essential nutrients like iron, zinc and vitamin B12.”

He added that livestock farmers are custodians of large swathes of iconic landscapes, with grass fields providing important habitats for biodiversity and soils holding vital carbon reserves. “This must not be overlooked,” said Mr Bradshaw.

Following acknowledgement of the NFU’s concerns, the NatWest Digital Banking team has committed to a full content review of the carbon tracker, to ensure a more balanced message is provided via its app.

The NFU has promised to engage with NatWest in this process.