Pirate's Cove

This is all your fault for failing to approve of carbon taxes/fees and of giving up your modern lifestyle

Climate change is making pigs skinnier, which could mean more expensive pork
A new report claims higher temperatures mean hogs produce less protein, which could result in pricier pork

Pork is the most widely consumed animal protein in the world. Representing more than 36 per cent of global meat-eating, a hit to production could have devastating effects. As a new Scientific American report suggests, a warming planet may result in skinnier pigs that produce less meat. The potential outcome: a future where pork is scarce and strips of bacon will cost you dearly.

The National Pork Board in the U.S. has been monitoring the effect of high temperatures on pigs since 2013, according to Scientific American, due to the possible consequences for a US$20 billion industry.

Swine are particularly vulnerable to hot weather: they wallow in cool mud or water because their sweat glands don’t effectively regulate body temperature. Studies have shown that when the animals are exposed to temperatures in excess of 25 degrees Celsius, they produce less protein, with the added drawback of decreased fertility.

Um, 25C equates to 77 Fahrenheit. North Carolina is one of the premiere pork producing areas in the world. Pigs are subjected to above 25C for a good chunk of the year. Yet, we still are massive pork producers.

Places mentioned in the Scientific American article also tend to have temperatures about 25C during the year. And, here’s the thing: none of this proves anthropogenic causation.