Extreme heat puts food systems & farm livelihoods at risk: FAO-WMO report

Bathinda: Extreme heat is fast emerging as a major threat to food systems, farm livelihoods, and worker productivity, with agricultural communities on the front lines, states a joint report from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), released on Wednesday — coinciding with Earth Day.Titled ‘Extreme heat and agriculture', the report highlights links between climate change, food security, agriculture, and ecosystem health. It warns that the risks to agrifood systems and ecosystems are set to soar in future as the frequency, intensity, and duration of extreme heat events have risen sharply over the past five decades.The report describes extreme heat as a "risk multiplier" that is placing growing pressure on crops, livestock, fisheries, and forests, as well as the communities and economies that depend on them, said FAO director-general Qu Dongyu.Extreme heat is increasingly defining the conditions under which agrifood systems operate, says WMO secretary-general Celeste Saulo. "More than an isolated climatic hazard, it acts as a compounding risk factor that magnifies existing weaknesses across agricultural systems. Early warnings and climate services like seasonal outlooks are vital to help us adapt to the new reality," she said.The joint report describes the physical science of extreme heat, the vulnerabilities, observed and projected impacts on agriculture, adaptation strategies, case studies and offers policy recommendations. The impact of extreme heat events is relative to the context of when and where they occur. For the most common livestock species, stress begins above 25°C. For most agricultural crops, yield begins to decline above 30°C — this limit is lower for some crops such as potatoes and barley. Evidence points to a strong correlation between heatwaves and wildfires. The report says extreme heat is affecting farm workers. In much of South Asia, the number of days too hot to work could rise to 250 a year.Extreme heat is dangerous not just on its own but because it worsens risks like water stress, flash droughts, wildfires, and the spread of pests and diseases. The report also examines these linked effects, including lesser-known threats like flash droughts driven by sudden temperature spikes.The report highlights the need for innovation and adaptive measures such as selective breeding, climate-suited crop choices, adjusted planting windows, and improved management practices to protect crops from extreme heat. Early warning systems help farmers respond to extreme heat. Access to financial services — cash transfers, insurance and payment schemes, shock-responsive social protection schemes and other forms — underpins all categories of adaptation options."Protecting the future of agriculture and ensuring global food security will require not only building on-farm resilience but also exercising international solidarity and collective political will for risk sharing, and a decisive transition away from a high-emissions future," the report says. MSID:: 130439133 413 |