Climate change has been making countless headlines over the last several years. For quite some time now, scientists have been discussing the possible problems this growing issue can bring about for future generations. They've also been attempting to raise awareness of the many resulting consequences of climate change in an effort to mitigate the issue. At the same time, people in a range of specialties are trying to come up with solutions to not only combat the impact it will have on humanity but reverse the damage that has already been done.
Looking at the Impact on Upcoming Crops
Many people have been lulled into a false sense of security by thinking that climate change is a problem that will affect the future. That's not exactly the case. It's already significantly altering many factors across the globe. Climate change is expected to have a profound impact on crops during 2021 and the years to follow. You can find a range of climate information from Weed Seeds USA. For now, though, we'll cover some of the basic elements and their potential effects right here. We'll also talk about why those factors are important for the world's crops.
Global Warming
Quite a few people don't even believe that global warming is real. Still, science has proven that it's very much an issue. In fact, recent reports show that the planet's average surface temperature has risen more than two degrees just over the last two centuries. The last few years have been the warmest on record. Most of this increase in temperature is being attributed to industrialization and the surging human population.
While two degrees may not seem like a significant change in the grand scheme of things, it's enough to start melting the polar ice caps and cause further effects around the world. Though crops like cannabis may thrive in warmer climates, that's not the case with all types of plants. At the same time, the surrounding effects of global warming are leading to conditions that aren't conducive to any crop.
Increasing Droughts
It's no secret that crops need water to grow and produce high yields. In many corners of the globe, though, they won't be getting the water they need to flourish during the coming years. Droughts are becoming a more serious threat because of climate change. One write-up notes that they've become more frequent over the last century. Those droughts are also lasting longer and affecting larger areas than ever before. Some studies indicate that as many as 700 million people could be displaced because of drought by the end of the decade. Their homes, businesses, livestock, and crops will be uprooted or altogether destroyed as well.
Surging Floods
Crops are being deprived of the water they need to survive in some areas, but the opposite is true in others. Floods are likewise becoming more common and affected larger areas than ever before. Some reports estimate that rising temperatures, swelling seas, and other factors could increase floodplains by more than 45 percent in the United States alone by the end of this century. Other portions of the world are being similarly affected if not more so. Floods destroy homes and businesses while washing away crops, altering the nutrient content of the soil, and contaminating water supplies.
In a Nutshell
All those factors and many others are taking a toll on the planet. While climate change is affecting all forms of life in different ways, many people are focusing on the effects it could have on crops. After all, without the crops, humans and animals won't have enough to eat, and oxygen could easily grow scarce. Contrary to popular belief, this isn't an issue for only future generations to worry about. It's happening as we speak.
