New Study Warns U.S Crops Could Be Half by 2100
A groundbreaking study published in nature has given a dire warning, New Study Warns U.S Crops Could Be Half by 2100 Climate change can reduce the yield of American crop by 50% at the end of the century, even though farmers are suitable for rising temperatures.
The international’s maximum productive agricultural areas face the greatest losses from climate alternate, with essential farming areas in rich countries probably losing as plenty as 40% in their maize and wheat production this century, a comprehensive new study has found.
A Grim Outlook for U.S. Agriculture:
Researchers from the Climate impact Lab, agriculture, policy experts other institutions analyzed data for more than a decade, covering more than 12,000 regions across in 55 countries. He focused on large crops: corn, soybean, wheat, rice, barley, cassava and sorghum.
Even after accounting for real-world farming adjustments like shifting planting dates, using different crop varities and improving irrigation can increase by about 24% globally and in the United States, the products of large crops such as maize and soy can fall 40-50% under a high landscape.
Adaptation won’t offset farming losses:
Farmers are already adjusting by switching crop varieties, altering planting schedules, and improving irrigation. However, the study estimates these measures only mitigate about one-third of projected losses.
Farmers already adjust crop varities, change planting plans and improve watering. However, the study estimates that these measures only reduce one third of the estimated Farmers already adjust crop variants, change plant plans and improve watering. However, the study estimates that these measures only reduce one third of the estimated losses.
1.Any level of heating, even with adaptation, results in global agricultural losses says “manager Researcher Andrew Haltgrain.
The food production study reveals a counterintuitive pattern:
Modern breadbasket regions with beneficial climate are particularly weak due to their current benefits. Haltgrain explained, “Rich Breadbasket” regions benefit from very favorable climate that they currently like.” “They are no longer exposed to too much heat and are therefore not favorable.”
Global Food Security at Risk:
The U.S. isn’t alone—global calorie production could drop by 24% by 2100 if emissions remain unchecked. Every additional degree of warming reduces food output by 120 calories per person per day, equivalent to skipping breakfast for billions 14.
If emissions remain uncontrolled, the US global calorie production alone can fall by 24% by 2100. Each extra heating reduces food production per day, 120 calories per day, leaving breakfast to billions.
Why the U.S. Is Hit Hardest:
The study reveals a cruel irony: the most productive agricultural regions suffer the steepest declines because they’re optimized for today’s climate, not tomorrow’s.
When global production drops, rising prices hurt consumers and make it harder to access food and feed our families,” said Solomon Hsiang, professor of environmental science at the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability and a senior author of the study. “If the climate warms by 3 degrees, it essentially takes breakfast away from everyone on the planet.” He emphasized that this cost is especially devastating in a world where more than 800 million people already go hungry multiple times a day due to lack of access to food.
The U.S Corn Belt may lose its status in the form of global breadbasket, with changes profit to cooler regions like Canada and Russia.
According to more research Hultgren said In a high-emissions model of the future in which humans fail to meaningfully slow the march of global warming, corn production would dive by 40% in the U.S grain belt,a decline of 50% with soybeans for worse. The production of wheat in the same scenario will fall from 30% to 40%.
What Can Be Done?
Accelerate Climate Mitigation:
Reducing emissions remains the most effective way to curb losses. The study notes that limiting warming could cut projected yield declines by half.
Invest in Climate-Resilient Crops:
1.Scientists already develop warm and dried resistant wheat and corn varieties, but take $8-12 and $1 million per variety to bring it to the market.
2.Expanding crops like soybeans in northern regions (as Canadian farmers do) can help with displacement offset losses.
Rethink Global Food Systems:
1.Reducing food waste, enhancing soil health, and crop diversification can act as a buffer against shortages.
2.Before it’s too late, policies must help farmers make the switch to sustainable techniques.
The study’s message is clear, Without immediate action, the U.S half of your crops can lose up to 2100, increase food prices and destabilizing global markets. Although adaptation provides some hope, there is no alternative to reduce emissions and restore agriculture for a hot world.
Should the U.S prioritize climate-smart farming or faster emissions cuts? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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