Extreme Heat Threatens Livestock and Fish Worldwide
According to a report by the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), extreme heat poses a significant threat to livestock and fish globally. Livestock such as goats, pigs, sheep, chickens, and cattle experience heat stress when temperatures exceed critical thresholds, impacting their ability to convert feed into energy efficiently. For each degree above 30°C, feed intake reduces by 3-5%, leading to decreased productivity and quality of animal products like milk and eggs. Fish are also affected by rising water temperatures, which can lead to oxygen depletion and harmful algal blooms, causing widespread fish deaths. The report highlights the need for adaptation strategies in agriculture and fisheries to mitigate these impacts.