Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at [email protected] or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification. Climate change is a global problem which affects every aspect of our lives. With the world population predicted to grow to
almost 10 billion by 2050, the agricultural sector will become even more strained as it seeks to feed everyone on a warming planet. The effect of climate change on food security is an issue that needs immediate attention.
Crop harvests in a warming climate will suffer amid rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns. Current agricultural lands, particularly those closer to the equator, might no longer be suitable for growing crops. Dry spells reduce water availability and can cause water stress, while too much rain will cause soil to become waterlogged and suffocate plants, all of which will lead to lower yield and quality.
Climate change can also directly affect productivity through extreme weather such as floods, droughts and storms. These can damage crops, destroy infrastructure and cause soil erosion. Last summer,
droughts and heatwaves devastated crop yields across several continents, while Australia endured
extensive flooding. Scientists expect that such extreme events will only become more frequent and intense.
We must adopt smarter practices to ensure food security in a changing climate. These include adopting sustainable land management and conservation agriculture to enhance soil quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions; developing heat- and drought-tolerant crop varieties to mitigate risks of crop failure; and reducing agricultural water demand by discouraging farmers from growing water-intensive crops.
We can also enhance access to water by implementing efficient irrigation systems, harvesting rainwater and restoring degraded water catchment areas; address
food waste to help reduce overproduction and food inequality; and enable technology and knowledge transfer to help developing countries embrace best practices and adapt to climate change.
