Extreme heat severely damages crops, livestock, and fisheries, threatening the livelihoods of an estimated 1.23 billion people. Agricultural communities endure the brunt, with workers 35 times more likely to die from heat-related exposure than other sectors, warms new FAO–WMO report.
In 2021 alone, 470 billion labor hours were lost worldwide due to heat, underscoring the immediate impact on productivity and food security.
Climate Change Amplifies Agrifood Vulnerabilities
The report reveals how heatwaves and droughts disrupt crop yields, animal health, water supply, and ecosystem balance. For every 1°C rise, staple crop yields such as maize and wheat could drop by 4-10%.
Cascading Environmental and Economic Impacts
Extreme heat triggered events like the 2014-2016 Pacific marine heatwave, causing food chain collapse and wildlife starvation. On land, heat events have caused double-digit crop losses, reduced forest productivity, and mass livestock deaths.
Case Studies Highlight Regional Impacts
Countries including Brazil experienced extended droughts and record wildfires following strong El Niño effects in 2023-2024, reducing soy harvests significantly and harming livestock and farmer health.
Effective responses involve heat-tolerant crop and livestock breeds, sustainable irrigation, and knowledge-based management. Leveraging heat predictability through early warnings can shift agriculture from crisis response to proactive risk mitigation.
Mitigation is Essential in a Carbon-Heavy Sector
Agrifood systems contribute one-third of global emissions and consume 70% of freshwater. Climate-smart practices aligned with scientific guidance are needed to reduce this footprint and ensure sustainability.
The FAO and WMO’s joint report highlights the urgent need for science-informed solutions to safeguard global food security and farmer livelihoods amid escalating extreme heat events. Integrating climate science with adaptive strategies and early warning systems is key to transforming agrifood systems for a resilient future.
“Extreme heat can be forecasted, highlighting the important role of the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services.” – Stefan Uhlenbrook, WMO
Q&A Section
Q: How does extreme heat affect agriculture globally?
A: It damages crops, stresses livestock, depletes fisheries, and threatens livelihoods of over a billion people.
Q: Why are agricultural workers at particular risk?
A: They are 35 times more likely to die from occupational heat exposure than other workers.
Q: What are the cascading impacts of heatwaves?
A: Heatwaves cause food chain collapses, wildlife deaths, forest productivity loss, and livestock mortality.
Q: How can agrifood systems build resilience to extreme heat?
A: Through heat-tolerant breeds, sustainable irrigation, early warning systems, and climate-smart practices.
FAQ
What is the projected impact of warming on staple crops?
A 4-10% yield decline per 1°C increase for crops like maize and wheat.
How does extreme heat affect fisheries?
Heatwaves can cause food chain disruptions, leading to fisheries closures.
What role do climate-smart practices play?
They help reduce emissions and adapt production to changing climate risks.
Why is proactive risk reduction vital?
It minimizes crisis impacts, safeguards productivity, and protects livelihoods.
