New analysis of recent IPCC reports from investor network FAIRR says the physical risks of climate change to animal protein production represent a material risk for investors, requiring urgent innovation. Scenarios outlined by IPCC WGII and WGIII suggest heat stress among livestock could slash 20% off the global value of beef production and 7% off dairy production by the end of century, said FAIRR, while 10% of land currently suitable for major crops and livestock will be unsuitable by 2050 under most projections. FAIRR also noted the IPCC’s endorsement of alternative proteins, such as plant-based ‘meats’ and insect protein for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. “Investors will be concerned that the global animal agriculture sector could face an Apollo 13 moment – a near disaster that will take urgent innovation to survive – as the low-carbon transition forces investors to shift capital.” said FAIRR Executive Director Maria Lettini. Heat stress already costs the US dairy industry US$897-1500 million per year and the US beef industry US$369 million per year, said FAIRR.
