Extreme Weather Events Are Impacting Food Production

Extreme weather events are impacting food production! Heat waves, droughts and floods increase economic losses and risks to food security.

Increasing Frequency of Extreme Weather Events

Examples of extreme weather events that impact crop production and yields include: heatwaves, droughts, and floods.

And extreme weather events damage crops, cause soil loss, and change soil moisture content.

Further, pre-harvest food supplies can be impacted and result in production losses, economic losses, and disruptions to food supply chains.

As an example, a damaging wind just prior to harvesting results in the discarding of all the fruit in several orchards.

For more information, refer to: IPCC and Education.

Impacts on Yields and Food Production

Extended heat waves are increasing in frequency. And extreme heat particularly during the flowering phase negatively impacts crop yields.

In addition, extended droughts result in insufficient soil moisture. Soil moisture is critical for plant survival.

And extreme downpours and floods can result in water-logged soils. Waterlogging results in insufficient oxygen in soil pore spaces. And when this occur plant roots are unable to adequately respire.

Plus, damagingly high winds can injure plants. And plant stems may bend or break. Further, plant leaves may become shredded.

Further, damaging winds increase soil loss, increase soil erosion and runoff of nutrients to water reservoirs.

And episodes of late frosts in the spring and early frosts in the fall inevitably reduce yields.

Finally, hailstorms can cause severe damage to plants.

Summary

In summary, extreme weather events can impact yields, food security, and profitability.

Last Modified: May 17, 2024

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