Climate Change Set to Cut Agricultural Productivity in Major Food-Producing Regions
Climate change will cut agricultural productivity in some regions that are currently major food producers, such as the US, as well as regions in the tropics and subtropics that experience food insecurity, according to a recent study.
The international team also found that some temperate regions could benefit from climate change, particularly through carbon-dioxide fertilization. But the scientists warn that the latter effect relies on farmers – and global production patterns – being able to adapt to new conditions.
"Climate change poses a significant risk for agricultural production and thus for food security if the positive effects of carbon-dioxide fertilization cannot be achieved in the field," said Christoph Müller of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany. "But even if they can, many tropical and subtropical regions are bound to see declining productivity."
SarahTz