Animal-Free for Biodiversity

Our current production practices for food, materials, ingredients, pharmaceuticals, and personal care exponentially lead to species extinction and make biodiversity vulnerable. The world is facing a biodiversity crisis, with the 2022 Living Planet Report showing an average 69% decline in wildlife populations between 1970 and 2018. According to the IUCN, over 28% of species assessed are threatened with extinction.

We firmly position Beyond Impact VC to help reduce carbon emissions, accelerate decarbonisation, provide healthier, kinder, cleaner alternatives, and make biodiversity resilient — by relieving the land (avoiding deforestation and abuse of the blue ocean), reducing water consumption, and avoiding zoonotic diseases altogether.

To my knowledge, little capital has moved to preserve biodiversity by investing in animal-free solutions. We believe we are spearheading the movement and educating our peers, LPs, scientists, and innovators.

The Numbers

• Livestock farming occupies 77% of global agricultural land while providing only 18% of global calories (FAO).
• Deforestation for grazing and feed crops is a leading cause of habitat destruction. Pasture expansion for cattle production has been linked to 80% of Amazon clearing.
• FAO fishery stocks within biologically sustainable levels decreased to 62.3% in 2021.
• Livestock contributes approximately 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with cattle accounting for around 62% of the livestock sector's emissions.
• The majority of emerging infectious diseases have come from wild or farmed animals.

The Case for Animal-Free Solutions

• With supportive policy, a shift toward alternative proteins can enable 44% of land across 10 evaluated European countries to transition to agroecological farming, domestic food production, and nature restoration.
• If 50% of leading animal products (pork, chicken, beef, milk) are substituted with animal-free products globally, the net reduction of forest and natural land will almost entirely halt.
• Eliminating livestock could save up to 1.6 billion hectares of wild habitats, protecting critical ecosystems.

We see biodiversity impact as vital as a focus on decarbonisation and GHG reduction because healthy ecosystems are the foundation of life on Earth, providing essential services like clean air, water, pollination, and climate regulation. Addressing biodiversity loss and climate change creates a virtuous cycle: protecting species and ecosystems enhances carbon sequestration and resilience, ensuring a healthier, more sustainable planet for all.

We are investing in nature-positive solutions so humanity can live in harmony with nature. Let us make our biodiversity resilient and help all species breathe and live in accordance with nature.