Agriculture & Horticulture

Climate Change & Agriculture

Climate change is one of the most pressing global challenges of the 21st century, and its impacts are particularly evident in agriculture. The sector is both a major contributor to climate change and highly vulnerable to its effects. Rising global temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, more frequent and severe extreme weather events, and shifting ecosystems are altering agricultural landscapes worldwide. These changes have significant implications for food security, agricultural productivity, and the sustainability of farming systems. The effects of climate change on agriculture are complex and multifaceted, with both direct and indirect impacts on crop yields, livestock production, and the overall stability of food systems. Rising temperatures can disrupt growing seasons, particularly for temperature-sensitive crops such as wheat, maize, and rice. Increased heat stress can reduce crop yields, shorten growing periods, and alter plant development. Livestock are also at risk, as higher temperatures affect their health and productivity, leading to heat stress and reduced fertility.