The role of IPCC in supporting salmon aquaculture

Head of Communication and Sustainability Our world is grappling with numerous and pressing issues, and the latest findings from the UN's IPCC panel are of concern to us all - as consumers, community members, and they send a strong message to our political leaders. The effects of climate change are already evident. The repercussions of climate change are felt by us and they threaten the planet's future food production capabilities. It's imperative that we cut down on greenhouse gas emissions and safeguard more terrestrial and marine areas to halt climate degradation. What does this mean for food production? The IPCC's findings don't delve much into salmon farming but highlight the climate changes we're witnessing and will continue to see in our oceans. Our seas are becoming warmer, more acidic, less saline, and oxygen-depleted, to mention a few alterations. We can also expect shifts in ocean currents and nutrient availability, increased toxic algae, more marine "heat waves", and heightened storm and extreme weather activity. Marine life is suffering, as evidenced by the decline in various fish populations, coral reefs, shellfish larvae, and bottom-dwelling fish. Sea-based food production will decrease. The need for aquaculture is evident. While our oceans require protection, they also offer immense potential for boosting food production. Aquaculture can be tailored to these changing conditions and is already making positive strides towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Aquaculture is not without its flaws today, but we're making steady progress. Presently, aquaculture encompasses a diverse array of species, farming techniques, and environments. This provides a solid foundation for expanding food production in our oceans. In areas where we farm salmon, there's typically minimal farming of other species. This needs to change. Seaweed farming can generate food and energy, sequester CO2, and mitigate local acidification. Mussels are not only nutritious but also remove significant amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus from the sea. Sea urchins can wreak havoc on kelp forests, but when farmed, they provide nutritious food. Salmon is a nutritious food choice The transformation of the food system is a responsibility that falls on every consumer. What's on your plate? How can you shift your consumption towards a diet that's low in CO2, healthy, and tasty? While farmed salmon won't single-handedly feed the world, it's an excellent choice for many consumers, helping to reduce red meat consumption, increase the proportion of plant-based foods, and provide a full spectrum of nutrients. We still have room for improvement At Cermaq, we recognize that salmon farming practices need to be further enhanced. Technological advancements and innovation will help lower mortality rates during the production cycle and decrease our environmental and climate impact. However, we're aware that salmon farming is in a good place, with a relatively small footprint, even when compared to alternative food sources. Cermaq is committed to reducing its CO2 emissions by 35% by 2030 from this strong starting point. The world needs more food, and aquaculture can produce more food with less environmental and climate impact than other options. IPCC - Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the UN's body responsible for evaluating the science related to climate change. Established in 1988, the IPCC provides policymakers with regular scientific assessments on the current state of climate change knowledge. The IPCC has 195 member states. Comprehensive scientific assessment reports are published every 6 to 7 years. The most recent is the Sixth Assessment Cycle, released on 25 February 2022, and is now awaiting the Panel's approval.