How does climate change affect agriculture?

Food production is affected by climate change, which has made growing conditions more difficult in several regions globally.

Firstly, extreme weather can reduce yields as it damages the soil structure. Intense floods drown crops and pollute water, while severe droughts dry up soil and deplete water supplies.

Secondly, rising temperatures of the ocean cause fish and shellfish to move north, searching for cooler water. Warmer oceans also affect fish migration and reproduction schedules, forcing fishers to adjust their fishing patterns. On land, higher temperatures increase the prevalence of pests that transmit livestock diseases. Heat-related stresses can affect fertility of livestock too, which could, for example, reduce milk production over time.

Lastly, elevated CO2 levels may stimulate plant growth but inhibit protein content. For example, if CO2 levels increase by about 80%, crops such as wheat and rice will have a 6-15% lower concentration of protein.