Climate plays a large part in determining plant growth and the production of crops. Crop growth is
often limited by temperature and rainfall. An increase in temperature may suit some crops, but the
accompanying increase in the evaporation of water will leave less moisture available for plant growth.
The changes in the weather will affect the type of crops grown. Some crops such as wheat and rice grow better in higher temperatures, but other plants such as maize and sugarcane do not. Changes in the amount of rainfall will also affect how many plants grow.
Food & Water Shortages
The effect of a change in weather on plant growth may lead to food and water shortages in some
countries of the world. Droughts in countries that currently experience them may become more
severe. Brazil, South East Asia, China and parts of Africa are likely to be affected most, and many people could suffer from hunger.
Low-Lying Land
Low-lying agricultural land is at risk from rising sea levels. South East Asia would be badly affected as most farming takes place on low-lying deltas. If salt water entered the land it would need treating. This would increase costs for farmers and mean higher food prices for the public.
Carbon Dioxide
Plants grow as a result of photosynthesis. This involves plants taking in carbon dioxide and giving off oxygen. Climate change is associated with an increase in the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and hence plant growth rates could increase.
Uncertainty
It is not certain what the effects of climate change on agriculture will be, but it is though that crop production will be reduced in some parts of the world, whilst it will increase in others.