‘Window to act is closing’: Climate change is already devastating our global food system, UN report co-author says

In a cautionary tale to the world, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) – a group organized by the United Nations – has issued a 1,024-page report that presents a scientific basis and blueprint to pull humanity back from dire, planet-wide environmental ruin.

“Our report demonstrates that climate change – including increases in climate hazards such as flooding, drought or cyclones – is already affecting food systems, and particularly food security in vulnerable regions,” said [Rachel] Bezner Kerr, professor in the Department of Global Development, part of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “The world can prevent severe impacts on people and on nature, but there is a brief and rapidly closing window to act.”

…

While agricultural productivity has improved, in another example, a heated climate will cause global crop and livestock areas to become increasingly unsuitable. Even with low greenhouse gas emissions – that is, if the temperature average remains 1.6 degrees Celsius below pre-industrial average temperature levels – about 8% of the world’s farmland will likely become unsuitable by 2100.

Related on the SLP

Viewpoint: We need a coordinated global effort to counteract climate change’s impact on food production What can farmers do to mitigate the impact of rising global temperatures

Viewpoint: Why are the less intelligent more likely to be conservative—and smarter people more socially liberal?

AI is helping develop new vaccines

The heated debate over trans athletes in the WNBA

…

“Every action to avoid even small increases in warming will make a tremendous difference,” Bezner Kerr said. “If strong action is taken after this report, there is hope.”

This is an excerpt. Read the original post here.