Impacts of Climate Change on Global Agriculture Accounting for Adaptation

Impacts of Climate Change on Global Agriculture Accounting for Adaptation : Recently, a new study published in the journal Nature, titled “Impacts of Climate Change on Global Agriculture Accounting for Adaptation”, has warned of severe consequences for global food systems if greenhouse gas emissions remain unchecked.

• Key Highlights : Conducted by the Climate Impact Lab, a collaborative of 16 climate and agricultural economists.

o Each 1°C rise in global temperature could reduce average food availability by 120 calories per person per day (~4.4% of current daily intake).

o Average yield losses by 2100: 41% in high-income regions and 28% in low-income regions.

o Six staple crops analyzed: Rice, wheat, maize, soybean, sorghum, cassava — together account for two-thirds of global cropped calorie production.

o Wheat shows 40–100% yield loss in northern and central India under high emissions.

o Losses also projected in: 30–40% in China, Russia, USA, and Canada.

- 15–25% in Eastern/Western Europe, Africa, and South America.

o Rice may see yield increases due to its tolerance to high minimum temperatures.

o Adaptation benefits for rice are high: 79% under high emissions, 86% under moderate emissions.

o Regions with moderate current temperatures will suffer the greatest yield losses.