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Food From Thought: July 2022

Investors advocate for climate change action through food, Artemys Foods rebrands, Novameat plans to expand 3D printed plant-based steaks to the masses, and more!

Jul 14, 2022

Climate change is the most pressing environmental threat of our time.

The Paris Agreement has a goal to limit global warming to 1.5°C (2.7°F) above the pre-industrial average by mid-century. However, top climate scientists warned only a few months ago that this is simply unachievable without significant changes to global land usage — even if fossil fuel emissions were eradicated.

The truth is that 86% of the world’s species of animals, plants, and insects are at risk of becoming extinct, largely because of Amazon deforestation.

The primary driver? Cattle ranching.

The conventional food system is the main promoter of biodiversity loss, antimicrobial resistance, and malnutrition around the world.

Plus, food production accounts for one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions, with agriculture responsible for 40% of human-generated emissions of methane. Yet, less than half of the key players in meat and dairy track their methane emissions whatsoever.

Given these stark realities, 33 investors and the UN-convened Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance sent a letter to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) demanding change within the food system. In the letter, the investors urged the FAO to demonstrate the leadership needed to make impactful change.

The evidence is clear: the way we produce food, particularly protein, is harming the planet in ways that have lasting and irreversible effects.

Getting everyone to stop eating conventionally-produced animal products isn’t realistic. What can be done is to bridge the gap between eco-conscious consumers and alternative protein options — made from plants and cellular agriculture.

The future of the planet is literally on our plates. The challenges are massive.

But it’s on all of us to protect it through policy change, widespread education, and more accessible and innovative consumer options.

Fortunately, the alternative protein space continues to expand and address obstacles, positioning to become exactly what we need.