· 2 min read
illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Economist or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: Climate change is adversely affecting Scotland’s salmon farms, increasing mortality rates and casting a shadow over Britain's biggest food export
• Despite the scenic complaints from tourists and locals, the salmon farming industry is crucial, generating over £1bn annually and supporting approximately 12,000 jobs
• Scottish salmon was the UK's top food export last year, surpassing cheddar and lamb, with significant demand from countries like South Korea and the UAE
🔭 The context: The Scottish salmon farming industry began in the 1970s with technology from Norway and investment from Unilever
• Production has surged, with 2016 seeing double the output of 1996
• The industry's growth underscores its global appeal and economic importance, yet it now faces significant threats from climate change
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The rising mortality rates in salmon farms due to climate change highlight the broader impact of global warming on food production and export economies
• Addressing these climate challenges is essential to sustain the industry, protect jobs, and maintain the UK's position as a leading exporter of salmon
⏭️ What's next: The industry must adapt to mitigate the impacts of climate change, possibly through advanced technology and sustainable practices
• Ongoing research and investment are critical to developing resilient aquaculture methods that can withstand environmental changes and ensure the industry's future
💬 One quote: "According to the Scottish government, the industry is worth more than £1bn ($1.3bn) annually and supports around 12,000 jobs"
📈 One stat: Last year, salmon was Britain’s biggest food export, significantly outpacing cheddar and lamb
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