The Economic Impact of Climate Change on Food | Earth.OrgAs global temperatures rise and weather patterns become increasingly erratic, the agric...
Published on by Water Network Research, Official research team of The Water Network
As global temperatures rise and weather patterns become increasingly erratic, the agricultural sector faces profound challenges that ripple through the entire food supply chain, from production to transportation and storage.
Climate change is not just an abstract concept; its effects manifest in tangible ways that directly impact agricultural productivity. Extreme weather events, such as droughts, floods and heat waves degrade soil health, disrupt planting schedules, and diminish crop yields.
For example, recent devastating floods in Valencia, western Spain compromised orange crops and persimmon orchards, with damage estimates surpassing €1.089 billion (US$1.152 billion). This deadly storm has left many farmers unable to access their fields, worsening the situation and jeopardizing future harvests.
In Brazil, ongoing drought conditions affecting almost 60% of the country have caused coffee prices – particularly for arabica – to soar to a nearly 50-year high. The prolonged drought has not only decreased the quantity of coffee available but also compromised the quality of beans.
Unfortunately, these fluctuations are not isolated; they create a domino effect, driving up prices globally. As highlighted by Heather Stewart, the economics editor of the Guardian, the rising cost of staple foods is not merely an inconvenience for consumers; it increases the vulnerability of developing countries, where food security is already precarious.
Threats to Food Security
Climate change has caused an increase in desertification, particularly in places like Africa and Asia. Rapidly expanding population and rampant deforestation have also led to land degradation. This reduces soil productivity, leading to issues such as environmental hazards, food insecurity as well as loss of biodiversity.
Attached link
https://earth.org/from-farm-to-table-the-economic-impact-of-climate-change-on-the-food-chainTaxonomy
- Agriculture
- Climate Change