Climate change is not only causing floods, wildfires, and droughts but is also silently impacting the foods we consume daily.
The increasing frequency of natural disasters threatens various agricultural sectors and reduces the yields of staple crops such as rice, coffee, and wine.
According to Vice, the following familiar foods may become scarce in the future if climate change continues unabated.
Rice
Rice is a staple food found in almost every household. Over half of the world’s population includes rice in their daily meals.
However, rice cultivation is currently facing serious challenges due to the ongoing rise in sea levels. Numerous studies have shown that rice-growing areas are becoming saline, and many regions can no longer be used for farming.
Rice is the first important crop being affected by climate change. Many salt-tolerant and drought-resistant rice varieties are being developed to cope with the situation. (Photo: The Independent).
Scientists predict that if sea levels continue to rise as they are, coastal areas with about 1.3 billion people will be completely submerged in 120 years. To address this issue, efforts are underway to develop rice varieties that can better withstand flooding and drought.
Coffee
Enjoying a cup of coffee is a pleasure for many, but currently, this habit is threatened by global warming.
Brazil, the world’s largest coffee producer, recently faced its worst drought in 91 years, severely impacting global coffee production.
If climate change is not addressed, popular beverages like coffee may also become expensive in the future. (Photo: Healthline).
On the other hand, excessive rainfall and increased humidity also make coffee plants more susceptible to “leaf rust” caused by the fungus Hemileia vastatrix. In the past, this disease caused over 1.7 million farmers in Central America to lose income from 2011 to 2017.
According to a study by the American Climate Institute, global coffee-growing land will decrease by half by 2050 due to climate change. Consequently, coffee prices are expected to rise as supply fails to meet demand.
Chickpeas
Another food that scientists are striving to preserve is chickpeas. Chickpeas are a vital source of protein for over 1 billion people, especially in South Asia and countries in the near-Saharan Africa.
After thousands of years of cultivation, this plant is losing its genetic diversity, leading to weaker and drought-prone chickpeas today.
Chickpeas today are weak and drought-prone, leading to reduced yields due to climate change. (Photo: The Pioneer Women).
Researchers are working hard to find and breed natural chickpea varieties, hoping to increase the drought resistance of this crop. Otherwise, drought could reduce global chickpea yields by 50% each year.
Wine
Climate change poses new challenges for grape cultivation, with smoke contamination from wildfires being a prime example.
When grapes are exposed to too much smoke, the taste of the wine may become bitter and burnt. This issue will make it difficult for renowned wineries to maintain the distinctive flavors of their beverages.
The taste of wine may be very different in the future due to grapes being contaminated with smoke from wildfires. (Photo: WallpaperSafari).
Anita Oberholster, a wine expert at UC Davis (USA), notes that a hint of smokiness can enhance wine, but too much will make it taste like “an ashtray.”
To prevent this scenario, winemakers and scientists in California are working to protect vineyards from the harmful effects of climate change, including smoke from wildfires.
