In a recent study published in the journal Scientific Reports , researchers used a large-dimensional computational model to investigate the effects of heat and water stress on global food security and food production. Their results indicate that by 2050, food production worldwide could decline by up to 14%, with an increase of up to 1.36 billion people experiencing severe levels of food insecurity, highlighting the critical need for addressing water and heat stress in climate change policies.
Persons with severe food insecurity by region in 2050 relative to 2020 (% population range). Model output; maps generated using ArcGIS Pro 3.3 ( https://www.
esri.com ). Study: Global impacts of heat and water stress on food production and severe food insecurity .
Previous studies have established that climate change poses significant threats to the global food production system, which is highly reliant on ecosystems and water resources. These threats include disruptions in the water cycle, such as extreme climatic events and groundwater depletion, impacting regions differently. Critical risks identified include water and heat stress on food production worldwide, exacerbated by increased water extraction for various sectors, particularly irrigated agriculture.
Integrated assessment models (IAMs) have highlighted increased food insecurity due to population growth, dietary changes, and agricultural efficiencies, especially under regional rivalry and inequality scenarios, two shared socioeco.