The resurgence of extreme heat episodes is pushing agriculture “to its limits” worldwide and threatens the health and livelihoods of over one billion people, warned the FAO and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) on Wednesday.
The phenomenon, linked to climate change caused by human activities, already leads to the loss of 500 billion hours of work in agriculture every year. It is expected to intensify, posing a threat to global food security as emphasized in the report “Extreme Heat and Agriculture.”
Extreme heat refers to “exceptionally hot” temperatures compared to normal, both day and night. Scientists predict that their intensity will double if the world reaches +2°C of warming compared to pre-industrial levels (and quadruple at +4°C). These extreme temperatures can trigger cascading effects, impacting factors like humidity, solar radiation, leading to heavy rains, “flash” droughts, and more.
“In a way, it serves as THE trigger,” explained Kaveh Zahedi, Director of the Climate Change Office at the FAO to AFP.
The impacts of extreme heat are being felt in countries like the United States, Russia, China, affecting every sector. For livestock, extreme heat can cause digestive or cardiovascular failures, reduce milk production, and protein content. Fish can suffer heart failure in waters with reduced oxygen levels due to high temperatures.
Furthermore, the report highlights the need for innovative actions, such as the testing of early-maturing rice varieties by Indian farmers, seeing as 70% of the country’s calories come from rice, supporting millions of workers in agriculture.
Extreme heat affects over a billion humans, particularly farmers and their families, impacting their health, productivity, and more. It also undermines an already uncertain food security (in 2024, 2.3 billion people faced forms of food insecurity).
The report calls for the adoption of seeds and breeds adapted to new conditions and the development of alert systems for farmers since extreme heat is one of the most predictable weather events.
Despite some efforts underway, more action is needed. Without substantial reduction in greenhouse gases, the severity of extreme heat events will surpass the ability to cope, so building resilience is crucial, but it can’t replace determined climate action.
[Context: The article discusses the impact of extreme heat on agriculture and food security globally, highlighting the need for adaptation to new conditions.] [Fact Check: The content has been accurately translated and contains information derived from a report on extreme heat and its effects on agriculture and livelihoods.]
