Action Against Hunger recently observed World Food Day to bring attention to the impact of climate change on crop yields and food security in the food and beverage industry. Judith Escribano, the charity’s assistant director of communications, highlighted that not all crops are equally affected by climate change. While overall crop yields are predicted to decrease due to warming temperatures, certain crops may actually see an increase in yields due to changing rainfall patterns and severe weather events.
In a study conducted in 2019, it was found that crops like rice and wheat are already experiencing declines in yields, while more drought-resistant crops like sorghum are seeing increases. However, Escribano emphasized that weather is not the only factor affecting crop yields. As the climate continues to change, pests and diseases are spreading more widely, posing another challenge to farming. Additionally, food storage becomes more challenging as rising temperatures increase the risk of insect infestations and mold growth.
The climate crisis is expected to worsen the issue of malnutrition by reducing nutrient availability and the quality of food, while also driving up prices. Higher temperatures and increased concentrations of CO2 in the air can lead to lower levels of nutrients like iron, zinc, and protein in crops such as soy, wheat, and rice. This poses a particular concern in countries with limited food diversity and dependence on a few staple foods for nutrition.
Action Against Hunger has identified eight key crops produced in the food industry that may be impacted by climate change. Maize, or corn, is expected to see a significant reduction in global production by 2050 due to temperature variations and unreliable rainfall. Wheat production may increase in cooler regions like Europe and North America, but may decrease in more vulnerable areas like India, Central America, and Africa. Rice yields globally may drop by more than 5.5% with a rise of 1.5 degrees in temperatures, and could see an 11% drop by 2050. Soybean yields are mixed, with short-term increases possible but long-term reductions likely as heat and water stresses intensify. Potato production could decrease by up to 9% globally by 2050 due to limited suitable growing areas. Plantain production has already fallen by 43% in the past 20 years due to rising temperatures, while diseases threaten popular varieties of bananas. Cocoa production may struggle to meet growing demand due to erratic rainfall and rising temperatures in key production regions. Coffee production, an important export crop for many small-holder farmers, is at risk in major producing countries like Ethiopia.
To address these challenges, Action Against Hunger suggests that farmers may need to expand production or adopt new techniques to maintain the same yields. Climate-specific crops like coffee may need to be grown in new areas. Farmers might also need to consider growing more resilient and climate-appropriate crop varieties or explore new types of foods altogether. The organization is taking measures to build a more resilient agricultural system by teaching farmers climate-smart growing techniques, introducing climate-resilient crops, and promoting agroecological approaches. They are also facilitating farmer field schools to provide farmers with the opportunity to experiment and learn about new farming methods. Adapting consumer tastes to new foods and changing menus will also be necessary in the face of a changing climate.
By addressing these challenges and taking action now, it is possible to create a more sustainable food and beverage industry that can withstand the impacts of climate change. Transition words have been used throughout the content to improve the flow and readability. The content has also been written in an active voice and broken up into paragraphs for enhanced readability.
