Important effects of climate on agriculture
Climate change may affect agriculture at local and regional scales. Key effects including:
- Changes in agricultural productivity
Climate change can improve or worsen the conditions for growing crops in different regions. For example, changes in temperature, precipitation, and frost-free days lead to longer growing seasons in almost every region. Some farmers may be able to plant longer maturing crops or more cropping periods in total, while others may need more irrigation during a longer, warmer growing season. Air pollution may also damage crops, plants and forests. For example, when plants absorb large amounts of ground-level ozone, photosynthesis is reduced, growth is slower, and there is greater susceptibility to disease
Climate change can also increase the risk of wildfires. Fires cause major risks to agricultural lands, grasslands and pastures. Changes in temperature and rainfall are likely to increase the incidence and range of insects, weeds and diseases
Pollination is vital for more than 100 cultivated crops. Warmer temperatures and changes in rainfall can affect when plants bloom and pollinators such as bees and butterflies emerge. Pollination can be reduced
- Effects on water and soil resources
Climate change is expected to increase the frequency of heavy rains, which can damage crops by eroding soil and reducing soil nutrients. Heavy rains can also increase agricultural runoff into oceans, lakes, and streams. This runoff can damage the water. Sea level rise and hurricanes are also threats to coastal farming communities. These threats include erosion, loss of agricultural land, and saltwater intrusion that can contaminate water sources. Climate change is expected to worsen these threats
- Health challenges for agricultural and livestock workers
Agricultural workers face several climate-related health risks. These include exposure to heat and other extreme weather, exposure to more pesticides due to the widespread presence of pests, disease-carrying pests such as mosquitoes and ticks, and poor air quality. Language barriers, lack of access to health care, and other factors can exacerbate these risks. Heat and humidity can also affect the health and productivity of animals raised for meat, milk and eggs
What can we do?
Planting a pollinator garden with native species is just one way to help pollinators like bees and butterflies thrive
We can reduce the impact of climate change on agriculture in many ways, including:
Use smart agricultural methods for climate. Farmers can use weather forecasting tools, plant cover crops, and take other actions to help manage weather-related production threats
Agricultural producers can use fertilizers more strategically, and do more to reduce nutrient-laden runoff
Adopt proven research methods to reduce the effects of climate change on crops, such as reducing the use of pesticides and improving pollination and increasing crop resistance
Avoid wasting food. Increase your income and reduce your carbon footprint by carefully planning your shopping trips and storing food properly