How Rising Temperatures Are Endangering Our Essential Food Crops: What You Need to Know

A recent study highlights a serious issue: if global temperatures rise beyond 1.5°C, many areas could see a significant drop in crop diversity. This is a big concern for food security worldwide.

Researchers estimate that one-third of food production could be at risk due to soaring temperatures. This is especially troublesome for low-latitude countries, which are already vulnerable.

The study, carried out by scientists at Aalto University and published in Nature Food, examined how changes in temperature, rainfall, and aridity affect 30 major food crops across the globe. The results are alarming, especially for areas located near the equator.

As temperatures rise, more land in these regions will become unsuitable for farming. This will lead to fewer types of crops being cultivated, which means less food security for local communities. “The reduced diversity of crops will make it harder for people to access the calories and protein they need,” says Sara Heikonen, the lead researcher.

Key crops like rice, maize, and wheat could see drastic cuts in suitable land. Heikonen points out that tropical root crops like yam, crucial for low-income regions, are particularly at risk. In sub-Saharan Africa, almost 75% of current agricultural production could be threatened if global temperatures rise by 3°C.

The research indicates a clear divide: lower-latitude regions are likely to face severe losses, while places in mid- to high-latitudes may not see such drastic changes. Some cooler climates might even benefit from warmer temperatures and be able to grow new types of crops. However, this isn’t a guarantee of higher yields. As noted by senior author Matti Kummu, warmer climates might bring new pests and extreme weather, complicating the situation further.

Low-latitude countries, particularly in Africa, already face many challenges due to rising temperatures and other socio-economic issues. Yet, there are ways to adapt. Kummu mentions that yields are generally lower in these areas compared to similar regions elsewhere, indicating room for improvement. Access to better fertilizers, irrigation systems, and better storage practices could help increase yields, but ongoing climate change will add uncertainty to these projections.

Policymakers in these regions need to work on improving agricultural infrastructure and prepare for the harsher conditions that climate change brings. If they do not act, communities that are already struggling might face even bigger challenges in the future.

In contrast, farmers in mid- to high-latitude areas must remain adaptable. Even if warming allows new crops to be grown, changing market demands will influence what gets planted. To be more resilient, these farmers might need to explore different crop varieties, modify planting schedules, and enhance infrastructure to manage extreme weather and pest outbreaks.

“To ensure a secure food system in the future, we must both mitigate climate change and adjust our practices,” emphasizes Heikonen. Climate change affects us all, and its impacts on crop production can influence food availability and prices worldwide. We need to act decisively and collaboratively to address these challenges.

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