A Food Crisis Is Brewing – Climate Change Could Put Half of the World’s Crops at Risk

Global warming is already impacting daily life, fueling storms, floods, wildfires, and droughts worldwide. As temperatures rise, up to one-third of global food production could be threatened. A recent study in Nature Food provides a clearer understanding of where and how climate change will affect food production.

Researchers from Aalto University analyzed the effects of rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and increasing aridity on 30 major food crops globally. Their findings indicate that low-latitude regions will suffer the most severe consequences, with up to half of their crop production at risk as climate conditions become unsuitable. Additionally, these regions will experience a significant decline in crop diversity, further threatening food security.

“The loss of diversity means that the range of food crops available for cultivation could decrease significantly in certain areas. That would reduce food security and make it more difficult to get adequate calories and protein,” says Sara Heikonen, the doctoral researcher who led the study.