Climate Change Affects Crops

A new analysis finds that rising global temperatures might be contributing to lower crop yields.


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A team of US researchers has found that warmer temperatures could be a reason behind decreased crop yields, as well as the recent rise in food prices. Around the world, warmer weather has caused farms to produce 3.8 and 5.5 percent less corn and wheat, respectively, between 1998 and 2008. While both corn and wheat harvests have grown in that same time period, researchers say they could have grown more had it not been for rising temperatures. According to researchers, the global loss of corn roughly equals Mexico’s yearly corn production. Experts believe humans will need to begin developing crops that can handle higher temperatures.