In Dire Predictions, Mann and Kump describe the effects of climate change on human systems. Impacts include: decreasing availability of freshwater, degradation of ecosystems, social unrest resulting in conflicts and war, increased transmission of disease, sea level rise- the list goes on and on. Essentially, climate change will impact every sector of human life. The impacts will be unique to individual bioregions, and because of this, most steps taken towards adaptation and mitigation must be designed regionally.
Projected affects of climate change on world crop yields
The projected effects on agricultural production illustrate the differing effects of climate change based on location. Changes in climate will affect soil structures and health, growing seasons, irrigation needs, plant tolerances, pest and disease frequency and severity, the plant species we grow and the animal varieties we raise. Scientists postulate that while many regions will suffer yield loss due to the combination of substantial temperature rise and drought, other regions may experience an increase in production. Observations have shown that high latitude regions are warming and will continue to warm more quickly than temperate regions. Due to this trend, effects of climate change on agriculture in regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, the arctic and Australia will be largely negative. Regions like the United States and parts of Europe however, may benefit from the extended seasons a slight increase in temperature might bring.
Is is almost certain however, that substantial warming will result in negative impacts for food production around the world. As the earth warms disruption in our current food system are projected to become more and more frequent leading to food scarcity and malnourishment. Because nourishment is an integral part of human life, and because over 800 million people around the world are already undernourished, food security is a hugely important issue.
St. Croix Cattle selected for their ability perform under local environmental conditions
Adaptation discussions revolve around shifting planting schedules and reevaluating growing locations, as well as planting and raising more resilient and regionally appropriate plant and animal species. As mentioned above, these changes will be largely place dependent. Open technology sharing will play an important role in the dissemination of knowledge surrounding sustainable agriculture that currently resides in individuals, technology, and institutions. Policies surrounding the distribution of resources and food surplus will most likely need to be rethought, especially as socio-economic disparities between countries continue to increase.
Agriculture is estimated responsible for over 13% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions. This is due, in large part, to our unsustainable farming techniques and our dependence on fossil fuel based fertilizers and pesticides but a large chunk of that 13% can be attributed to the distance our food travels. Our global economy is very efficient in the sense that it provides with a large range of foods from all over the world. The fact that here in Carlisle, PA we can drink Belgian beers and eat Swiss chocolate is testament to that; but the system is very inefficient when it comes to fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions. The harvesting, processing, packaging, storing, transporting and other steps involved in getting food from field to our plates are extremely dependent on greenhouse gas producing energy.
As climate change discussion becoming increasingly common and increasingly urgent, the impacts to our food systems can be an important and effective educational tool. Food is part of everyone’s daily life. As people begin learning about how their food is produced, who is producing it, where it is coming from, and what is in or on it, chances are they might apply this process of thought to other parts of their lives. Food literacy is becoming increasingly popular around the world and is supported by movements like Slow Food, Community Supported Agriculture, and farmers market initiatives. Check out Madison’s 100 mile Food Map, a project created by four students at the University of Madison.
As momentum surrounding healthy, fresh, local foods grows and awareness of climate change increases, supper might just lead us towards a cooler future.
Tags: adaptation, agriculture, climate change, Danielle Hoffman, developing countries
