“Climate Change Threatens Global Food Production: Study Reveals Impact on Farmers’ Physical Capacity”
The future of global food production is facing a significant threat due to rising temperatures impacting farmers’ physical capacity to work, according to a new study conducted by Loughborough University, US, and Australian universities. The research predicts a potential decline in labor productivity by as much as 40% in key food production regions like Pakistan and India by the end of the century.
Furthermore, other important crop-growing regions in Southeast and South Asia, West and Central Africa, and northern South America are expected to see a reduction in physical work capacity to 70%. This decrease in productivity is attributed to the heat exposure experienced by agricultural workers, affecting their ability to perform tasks in the field.
Lead researcher Professor Gerald Nelson from the University of Illinois emphasized that climate change will not only impact crop yields but also the individuals involved in planting, tilling, and harvesting food. The study, published in the Global Change Biology journal, utilized computational models to predict the physical work capacity under different climate change scenarios.
The models, developed by Loughborough University, were based on data from over 700 heat stress trials, observing individuals working in various temperatures and weather conditions. The study highlighted that half of the world’s cropland farmers were already working below 86% capacity in recent past climate conditions.
To mitigate the impact of climate change on agricultural workers, potential adaptations were considered, such as switching to nighttime or shade work to reduce direct solar radiation, which could lead to a 5-10% improvement in productivity. Another option explored was increasing the use of mechanical machinery and equipment, particularly in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa where agricultural practices involve strenuous physical labor.
Professor George Havenith from Loughborough University emphasized the importance of understanding the impact of climate change on worker productivity to guide mitigation efforts and ensure the safety of workers while maintaining productivity levels. The study’s findings aim to support investments in agricultural workers and food security amidst the challenges posed by climate change.
The full paper titled ‘Global reductions in manual agricultural work capacity due to climate change’ can be accessed online for further reading. Loughborough University, known for its research excellence and strong industry links, continues to address critical global challenges through impactful studies like this.