A new study warns that increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves could significantly reduce global dairy production. Researchers found that extreme heat can decrease a cow's daily milk production by 10%, with effects lasting up to 10 days. Projections for 2050 suggest an average daily milk production reduction of 4% globally, severely impacting the 150 million households dependent on milk production, particularly in south Asia. Current cooling strategies only inhibit 40% of the impact.
Extreme heatwaves may cause global decline in dairy production, scientists warn
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️A new study warns that increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves could significantly reduce global dairy production. Researchers found that extreme heat can decrease a cow's daily milk production by 10%, with effects lasting up to 10 days. Projections for 2050 suggest an average daily milk production reduction of 4% globally, severely impacting the 150 million households dependent on milk production, particularly in south Asia. Current cooling strategies only inhibit 40% of the impact.
Trending- 1 Over 12 years: Data collected from 130,000+ cows for the study.
- 2 July 3, 2025: Study published in Science Advances, warning of future decline.
- 3 2050: Projected average daily milk production reduction of 4%.
- Reduced global milk production.
- Economic impact on 150 million households dependent on milk production.
- Increased vulnerability for dairy farms, especially in South Asia.
- Cattle contribute to methane emissions, accelerating global heating.
What: Extreme heatwaves are projected to cause a significant global decline in dairy production.
When: Study based on 12 years of records. Projections for 2050. Study published on July 3, 2025.
Where: Global impact, with particular severity expected in South Asia. The study was conducted in Israel, with researchers from Universities of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Chicago.
Why: Dairy cows experience heat stress, which reduces their ability to produce milk. The increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves, exacerbated by fossil fuel burning, worsen this stress.
How: Researchers analyzed records from over 130,000 cows over 12 years. They found that even one hour of wet-bulb temperature above 26C reduces daily milk production by 0.5%, with prolonged effects. The study was published in the journal Science Advances.