Climate change is already disrupting daily life, bringing more wildfires, storms, floods, and droughts. But a growing crisis looms: global food security is at risk. A new study in Nature Food warns that climate change could endanger a third of global food production. It could become harder to grow essential crops that sustain billions as the climate changes.
LOW-LATITUDE REGIONS FACE THE BIGGEST THREAT
Researchers at Aalto University analyzed how changes in temperature, rainfall, and aridity will impact 30 major food crops worldwide. Their findings reveal a stark divide:
- Low-latitude regions, such as parts of Africa, South Asia, and Latin America, face the worst consequences from climate change.
- If warming exceeds 3°C, nearly half of crop production in these areas could be lost due to extreme climate conditions.
- These regions will also see a sharp decline in crop diversity, reducing access to essential food sources.
“The loss of crop diversity means fewer food options, making it harder to get enough calories and protein,” explains Sara Heikonen, the lead researcher.
ESSENTIAL CROPS ARE IN DANGER
Rising temperatures will drastically shrink the land available for growing key food crops, including:
- Rice, maize, wheat, potatoes, and soybeans – which provide over two-thirds of the world’s food energy.
- Tropical root crops like yams – critical for food security in low-income countries.
- Cereals and pulses – particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where three-quarters of current production could disappear.
SHIFTS IN AGRICULTURE ACROSS THE GLOBE
While low-latitude countries will struggle, mid- and high-latitude regions (such as North America and Europe) may retain their farmland and even expand crop diversity as they adapt to climate change.
For example, temperate fruits like pears may become more common in northern climates. However, new challenges will emerge.
“Even if some areas gain agricultural potential, warming will bring new pests and extreme weather, which could still threaten food production,” warns Professor Matti Kummu, the study’s senior author.
CAN THE WORLD ADAPT?
Many of the hardest-hit regions already face food shortages and economic instability. Climate change will intensify these challenges, but some solutions could help, such as:
- Increasing crop yields with better access to fertilizers, irrigation, and improved storage, which might mitigate the impacts of climate change.
- Developing drought-resistant crops through genetic breeding and biotechnology.
- Expanding agricultural research to find new ways to grow food in extreme climates.
“In many low-latitude areas, current crop yields are far below their potential,” Kummu explains. “With better resources, farmers could increase production and reduce food waste, but much stronger action is needed to fight the impacts of climate change.”
A GLOBAL RESPONSE IS NECESSARY
Even in regions that retain productive farmland, farmers will need flexibility to adapt. Climate change will shift which crops can grow, and supply chain disruptions could affect global food availability.
“We need to protect our food supply,” Heikonen warns. “To do this, we must reduce emissions. We also have to adapt to the changing climate.
While low-latitude nations will experience the most severe food losses, the entire world will feel the impact of climate change. Global trade, food prices, and supply chains will all be affected if crop production declines.
URGENT ACTION NEEDED
Climate change is not just an environmental problem—it is a direct threat to food security. Bold action is needed to curb emissions. We must invest in sustainable farming. Supporting vulnerable regions is crucial. Without these steps, the world’s food supply will remain at serious risk due to ongoing climate change.
The time to act is now—before it’s too late.