IMPACT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON FOOD SECURITY

Picture By: Koomson Nancy

      The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change defines global warming as the progressive gradual rise of the earth’s surface temperature thought to be caused by the greenhouse effect and responsible for changes in global climate patterns. According to Ghana National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, historical data from the years  1961-2000 shows the rise in temperature and decrease in rainfall patterns. The average annual temperature has increased by 1°C in the last three decades. Minia et Al(2004) estimate that temperature will continue to rise while the rain pattern decreases. The variations in climate have led to the extinction of some plants and animals.  Global warming has threatened the survival of plants and animals, which are our sources of food.

     In Ghana, where farming is heavily reliant on rainfall, decreased rainfall patterns tend to have huge implications on the crops and animals. According to a report issued by the World Meteorological Organization, there is a 66% likelihood that the annual average near-surface global temperature between 2023-2027 will be 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels for at least a year. This change will also have huge implications on our food supply as plants and animals rely heavily on rainfall.

    Warming tends to reduce yields because crops speed through their development, producing fewer grains in the process. Global warming can disrupt food supply by reducing crop yields and altering their growing season, thus affecting the availability of food and leading to food shortages. High temperatures do not only affect the quantity of crop yields but the quality as well. Elevated carbon dioxide has been associated with a reduction in protein, nitrogen, and essential minerals and nutrients in plant species like wheat, soybeans, and rice. This also leads to a potential threat to human health because of its impact on the nutritional values of crops.

    Global warming is also contributing to heat stress in animals, which also reduces animal fertility,  and the quality of meat, lowering milk production and also reducing their feed intake. High temperatures affect the availability of water and the quality of forage and feed crops, leading to feed shortages and also contributing to the cost of the livestock owner.  The inadequate provision of food and water tends to affect animal production, resulting in fewer offspring and genetic diversity.

    Rising temperatures contribute to shifts in ecosystems. Ecosystems may become inhabitable for certain animals, causing them to migrate from their usual habitat.  High temperatures also contribute to pests and diseases in crops and animals. This increases the risk of diseases affecting livestock and creates a favorable environment for pests and diseases that affect crops leading to crop losses. Migration of livestock and the proliferation of pests and diseases in most cases result in the death of these animals.

     Global warming is a key factor contributing to the rise in the prices of foodstuffs. This is because of the disruptions it has caused in crop and animal production, and also the extra cost the farmers have to pay in providing favorable conditions like food and water for plants and animals. The shortages and reductions in crop yields and animal products are contributing greatly to food insecurity and agriculture instability in Ghana and the world at large. 

 

Sources:

 

Impact of Climate change on food security by Philip Acquaye.

 

Climate Impacts on Agriculture and Food Supply by United States Environmental Protection Agency. 

Written by: Koomson Nancy