Investors Warned of ‘Apollo 13’ Moment for Meat Industry

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.

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