Husnain Suleri (Climate change)
E-Mail: za796884@gmail.com
Ahsan Raza (Plant pathology)
E-Mail: ahsan75759@gmail.com
As the combined effects of climate change and air pollution continue to devastate agriculture, the world’s food supply is confronted with previously unheard-of difficulties. There is a threat to the food system’s stability, which sustains billions of people globally. Crop yields, farmer livelihoods, and overall food security are getting significantly impacted by rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall patterns, and deteriorating pollution levels. There is a greater need than ever for creative ways to adapt agriculture to these shifting conditions since staples of the world’s diet, such wheat, rice, and maize, are especially at risk. The proliferation of illnesses and pests, which flourish in these new environmental realities, exacerbates the problem and further destabilizes an already precarious system.
Extreme weather events brought about by climate change are becoming more frequent, severe, and destructive to agriculture. Extreme heat is one of the most pressing and destructive issues. Many staple crops are extremely heat-sensitive, particularly during crucial stages of growth like pollination, blooming, and seed formation. In these phases, yields can be significantly decreased by even a slight rise in temperature. Rice, for instance, is especially vulnerable to heat stress because it provides food for more than half of the world’s population. When temperatures reach over a certain point during the flowering stage, rice plants frequently become sterile, which stops grains from forming. As a result of the sharp decline in productivity, millions of farmers and consumers are at risk of food shortages.
Another essential component of global food security, wheat, is also significantly impacted. Smaller grains are produced by high temperatures during the grain-filling step, which lowers the harvest’s quantity and quality. Extreme heat causes similar issues for other crops, including maize, soybeans, and different fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are especially vulnerable to physiological damage, which affects their flavor, texture, and nutritional content in addition to lowering yields. Given that these crops are important providers of vitamins and minerals, this presents serious nutritional issues.
Aside from temperature stressors, unpredictable rainfall patterns have emerged as a hallmark of climate change, contributing to additional agricultural instability. While some areas endure protracted droughts, other areas have heavy rainfall that causes flooding. Farming will suffer greatly in both cases. Fields frequently sustain damage from flooding, which also removes nutrient-rich topsoil and renders the area unusable for farming. Drought, on the other hand, deprives crops of vital water, which stunts their growth and lowers harvests. Water-intensive crops like maize and rice are particularly susceptible to drought. Farmers find it almost impossible to plan their planting and harvesting dates because to the unpredictable nature of these rainfall patterns, which leads to uncertainty and financial burden.
The situation is made worse by air pollution, especially smog, which is becoming known to destroy crops without warning. A major contributor to smog, ground-level ozone, is extremely harmful to plant health. Through their stomata, plants absorb this poisonous gas, which interferes with photosynthesis, the process by which plants turn sunlight into energy. Over time, this interference lowers crop yields, inhibits growth, and degrades the crops’ nutritional value. Wheat, soybeans, and several fruits are among the crops that are most susceptible to ozone harm. Smog particles, in addition to ozone, land on the surface of leaves and create a physical barrier that prevents sunlight from reaching them. This slows plant growth and further hinders photosynthesis. Many times, this pollution originates in urban areas, but its effects spread far into rural agricultural zones, lowering productivity and affecting farmers’ livelihoods.
The spread of illnesses and pests, which thrive in the warmer, more humid climate brought about by climate change, is another factor contributing to these difficulties. Unprecedented crop destruction is occurring because of numerous pests, such the autumn armyworm, spreading their range and invading new areas. The fall armyworm, once limited to the Americas, has now invaded Africa, Asia, and other continents, wreaking havoc in its path. One of its main priorities is maize, a commodity that is a staple in many regions of the world. Farmers must deal with these pests throughout the growing season, which is a difficult task that frequently requires the use of more pesticides. Pesticides can be useful in the short term, but they are harmful to the environment and human health and increase manufacturing costs.
As temperatures rise, bacteria and fungi are expanding to new locations, leading to an increase in plant illnesses. Significant losses are being caused by diseases like Panama disease in bananas and late blight in potatoes, which are becoming increasingly common. In addition to endangering crop yields, these diseases increase the cost and resource requirements of food production, severely taxing the world’s food supply.
Attempts are being made to adapt and lessen the impact of these difficulties, despite how serious they are. To guarantee agricultural resilience in the face of climate change, scientists and farmers are collaborating to create and apply novel solutions. The creation of crop types that are climate robust is a key priority. These crops are made to withstand drought, harsh temperatures, and pests and illnesses. For instance, scientists have developed rice and wheat that can withstand drought and heat, and these crops are currently being grown in several locations. These crops give farmers a lifeline by enabling them to sustain yields and lessen their reliance on chemical inputs such as pesticides and fertilizers.
The problems caused by drought and unpredictable rainfall are also being addressed in large part by effective water management techniques. Water is being delivered directly to plant roots by methods like sprinkler systems and drip irrigation, which help farmers maximize water consumption and reduce wastage. In many places, rainwater harvesting devices are being used to gather and hold water during rainy seasons, forming supplies that may be utilized during dry spells. Even under water-scarce conditions, these techniques guarantee more consistent harvests by enhancing crop health and conserving water.
Agroecological methods are becoming more popular as a sustainable way to increase farming systems’ resilience. Crop rotation, intercropping, and agroforestry are some of the techniques that increase biodiversity, improve soil health, and lower the risk of pests and diseases. Farmers can spread their risks and prevent their income from being destroyed by the failure of a single crop by diversifying their crop production. Additionally, by lowering the demand for chemical inputs, agroecology supports more sustainable farming methods and better ecosystems. Technology may be a powerful tool in combating the impact of climate change on agriculture. Precision agriculture uses tools like drones, sensors, and satellite photos to see what’s happening in their fields in real time.
By offering useful information on crop health, soil conditions, and weather patterns, these tools help farmers make well-informed decisions and maximize their use of resources. Additionally, farmers are becoming more empowered because to digital platforms and mobile applications that give them access to information on market trends, climate forecasts, and best practices, especially in rural areas.
It is impossible to overestimate the importance of governments and international organizations in tackling these issues. To assist farmers in adapting to shifting conditions, investments in infrastructure, support networks, and agricultural research are essential. Mitigating the effects of climate change on agriculture requires policies that support sustainable farming methods, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance air quality. Since pollution and climate change are worldwide problems that call for coordinated solutions, international cooperation is equally crucial. A road map for addressing these issues globally is provided by frameworks such as the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.
It is not only an agricultural concern; for billions of people, preserving the world’s food supply is essential to their survival. There is hope for a sustainable future despite the enormous challenges posed by air pollution and climate change because of the tenacity and resourcefulness of farmers, scientists, and policymakers. Future generations’ access to enough wholesome food in a changing environment will depend on the decisions made today. A concerted effort combining scientific innovation, technical improvement, ecological practices, and international cooperation is needed to solve this dilemma and guarantee that agriculture may prosper in spite of the obstacles that lie ahead.
