New scientific research shows that the effects of a combination of global warming and air pollution can drastically reduce the amount of global yield by 2050. A similar study, in which scientists consider the effects of a combination of these two threats, was conducted for the first time. Scientists especially emphasize the possibility of a world humanitarian catastrophe, if humanity already now does not begin to think about how to avoid it.
The study, conducted by experts from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, researchers at the University of Hong Kong and the State University of Colorado (USA), focused on the yield of four major crops, providing more than half of the calories consumed by the population of the Earth: we are talking about rice, wheat, corn and soy .
Research results show that the yields of these crops as a result of global warming will decrease by about 10 percent by 2050. However, scientists point out that the effects of reducing global yields may turn out to be even higher due to the effects of air pollution, therefore, it is not yet possible to find more accurate figures.
As an example, researchers cite the fact that 46 percent of the lost crops of soybean crops, which, as previously thought, were destroyed by global warming, actually died as a result of air pollution. However, scientists here point out that both of these phenomena are related and are the ultimate cause of reduced yields. The rise in global temperature due to global warming is a catalyst that leads to the destruction of the ozone layer and, as a consequence, loss of yield.
Moreover, the results of the study emphasize that while air pollution and global consumption alone lead to a decrease in world food production capacity, if these factors are combined, they will pose an even more serious danger and threat to a much wider variety of agricultural crops. . For example, corn crops are more sensitive to environmental temperatures that are elevated as a result of global warming and less affected in changing the ozone layer. Wheat crops, in turn, suffer from increased levels of air pollution.
As the scientists note, the destructive effects can vary depending on the specifics of a particular region. In other words, areas where they care more about the purity of the surrounding air are less prone to the terrible consequences of lower yields. As an example, the United States, where stringent regulations governing the level of pollution, experts predict, will reduce the effects of lower yields.
While scientific research is aimed at improving the quality of the harvest, the fact remains that measures to increase the level of food production and distribution still remain ineffective in less developed countries. Scientists note that with current trends, the level of hunger in Africa may increase from 18 to 27 percent.
As a final touch of this study, scientists urge all world leaders to take seriously the potential of reducing the level of the food industry and at the national level to attend to issues and problems related to environmental pollution and food safety.
A ten percent reduction in world crop yields as a result of global warming (and possibly a greater potential reduction due to environmental pollution) could turn into a real catastrophe for our planet. Especially now, when as a result of the constantly increasing population of our planet, it is already required to produce 50 percent more world food reserves.
The article is based on materials .
Comments
Post a Comment