How will global warming affect my world?

New environmental
conditions could
affect food security
The effects of global warming on agriculture
will vary widely both from region to region
and from place to place. Changes in local
and regional temperatures, precipitation,
soil moisture, sunshine and cloudiness, and
extreme events such as storms and hail will
all have an influence. Other important variables
will include the species and cultivar
(variety) being farmed, soil properties, pests
and pathogens and air quality.
In general, the temperate mid-latitudes are
expected to receive more rain with global
warming. However, mid-continental areas
such as the US grain belt and vast areas of
Asia are likely to dry, as will much of
Australia. Less rain, warmer temperatures
and greater evapotranspiration could
reduce agricultural yields by a third or more
in these areas. Even though increased CO2
concentrations can stimulate crop growth
and yield, these benefits may not always
overcome the adverse effect of excessive
heat and drought.
In the tropics, many crops are already near
their maximum temperature tolerance, and
farmers are often unable to irrigate because
water supplies are inadequate. Where dryland
agriculture relies solely on rain – as in
sub-Saharan Africa – yields would decrease
generally with even minimal increases in
temperature. More extremes and a shift in
precipitation zones could worsen food security
in Africa.
While climate change could be linked to
local or regional food shortages, the world
as a whole would still grow enough food to
satisfy demand if global temperatures rise
by less than 2.5° C.
What can be done?
In temperate regions, initiatives by individual
farmers to adapt should suffice to prevent
losses to both crops and livestock and
could even lead to gains. In the tropics, the
efforts of farmers will prevent some losses
but not all.
Farmers can adapt by making appropriate
changes in planting dates, cultivar selection,
and pest and disease control strategies.
More expensive and organized efforts
– such as changing land-use allocations and
investing in irrigation infrastructure – can
further prevent climate-induced losses.
Monitoring climate and the projected
changes would provide a greater lead-time
for preparing solutions.
Environmental
changes will harm
human health
The World Health Organization (WHO)
defines health as “a state of complete physical,
mental and social well-being and not
merely the absence of disease or infirmity”.
Global climate change will have a wide
and more....