Climate Change Threatens Italy's Cheese Banks and Broader Economy
Italy's cheese banks, which hold Parmigiano Reggiano wheels as loan collateral, are under threat from climate change and extreme heat. The Credito Emiliano bank, known as Credem, has long accepted these cheese wheels as collateral for loans to dairy farms. However, rising temperatures are increasing energy costs for maintaining the cheese at optimal conditions. The heat also affects dairy cows, reducing milk production and quality. This situation is part of a broader climate impact on Italy's agricultural sectors, including vineyards and olive groves, which are experiencing early harvests and reduced yields. 
