Center for Climate Change and Health Research (CCCHR)

Introduction:

Climate change is one of the greatest global challenges, posing serious agriculture and food security threats. It is predicted that by the end of the 21st century, global temperatures will rise by 2.5 to 4.5 degrees Celsius. These changes impact agricultural production, forest resources, and rural economies, affecting farmers, livestock breeders, and society as a whole.

Climate change leads to reduced crop yields, lower nutritional quality, increased droughts, heat waves, floods, and a rise in pests and plant diseases. While its effects vary across regions, no country is immune. Therefore, adopting climate-resilient agricultural practices is essential.

The global climate change scenario includes several key aspects:

1. Rising temperatures: The Earth's temperature has significantly increased over the past century, largely due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation.
2. Extreme weather events: Climate change has led to more frequent and intense heat waves, droughts, floods, storms, and wildfires, causing severe damage to communities and ecosystems.
3. Rising sea levels: The melting of polar ice caps and the expansion of seawater due to warming are raising sea levels, threatening coastal areas, and increasing the risk of saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources.
4. Ocean acidification: Higher atmospheric CO2 levels result in greater CO2 absorption by oceans, leading to acidification, which harms marine ecosystems, including coral reefs.
5. Biodiversity loss: Climate change disrupts habitats, causes species extinction, and disturbs ecological balance.

International agreements such as the 2015 Paris Agreement have been adopted to address these challenges. This agreement aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to restrict it to 1.5°C. Member countries are required to develop and implement plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change.

Conclusion:
The impacts of climate change vary across the globe, with some regions being more vulnerable than others. Global agriculture faces numerous challenges, including reduced production, water scarcity, and an increase in pests. To ensure sustainable food security, it is essential to develop strategies for both mitigating and adapting to climate change. This process requires ongoing research, effective policymaking, and international cooperation. Combating climate change can only be achieved through global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote sustainable practices, and enhance the resilience of communities and ecosystems.

Reference: Vijai C, Wisetsri Worakamol, Elayaraja M. International Journal of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine; Vol 11(4); 1-8; doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/1104ijasvm0108 ( 2023).