Effects on Agriculture Flashcards
What has been the trend in crop yields over the last century?
Crop yields have increased in size but are reaching the limits of cultivation.
What are the main threats to agriculture posed by climate change?
Increasing temperatures, aridity, and surface run-off.
How do crop yields vary at the regional scale due to climate change?
There will be winners and losers depending on the crop type.
What factors are crucial for maintaining crop yields?
Soil health and effective soil management.
What is the impact of environmental stress on crop yields?
It leads to declining yields in already water-stressed regions.
Which crop has struggled with a disease called Fusarium Wilt?
Banana.
What does the map from the International Food Policy Research Institute show?
The potential impact of climate change by 2050 on potato, rice, and wheat yields.
What are the projected impacts on total food yields in Europe and Brazil?
Net increases in crop yields.
Which continent is expected to be the worst hit by climate change in terms of crop yields?
Africa.
What was the change in world hunger from 2015 to 2018?
Increased from 785 million to 821 million.
Which regions are expected to benefit from climate change regarding crop yields?
Regions of South America and Europe.
What is the expected change in maize yields in southern and northern US states?
Southern states will see declines over 5%, while northern states will see increases greater than 5%.
What are the effects of climate change on soil health?
Increased soil erosion and surface run-off.
What are the main causes of soil erosion?
Surface run-off, wind, and poor farming practices.
How does water scarcity affect soil?
Makes soils more arid and prone to erosion.
What percentage of soil has been estimated to have been lost through erosion in the last 40 years?
33%.
Which land use shows the greatest resilience to climate change?
Woodland Cerrado.
What farming method is associated with the highest rates of soil erosion?
Tilled fallow.
Fill in the blank: Climate change will exacerbate problems of soil _______.
aridity.
True or False: Climate change may benefit some plants by lengthening growing seasons.
True.
What role does healthy soil play in agriculture?
Provides nutrients for plant growth and is a source of carbon.
What is a key factor for the success of farmers in adapting to climate change?
Modernizing and diversifying crops.
