Studies have shown that the yields of many different plant species decrease by as much as 30% when the temperature has surpassed 86 degrees Fahrenheit.  Such a profound decline in crop yields would harm producers and consumers alike, and it appears that this problem may get worse with global warming. Researchers predict that much of the usual growing season will go far beyond the 86 degree mark if temperatures continue to increase at the current rate. In fact, by the end of the century, most of the growing season is expected to be above the highest recorded temperatures now.

Given that the temperature and population of our planet continually rises, it is understood that less food will be available to Earth’s inhabitants. By 2050, there may be 9 billion people on our planet, and 30% less food with which to feed them.  Scientists are encouraging the agricultural industry to take action now. Reducing the land, energy, and water needed for a given yield would be the first step; minimizing pollution via chemicals would be the next step.

Farmers are not solely responsible for global warming, however. This phenomenon was caused by billions of people, and should therefore be minimized by just as many people, as well. If we all do our part to reduce global warming, we may not need to work so hard to feed our future generations.

Discussion Question: Why do you think high temperatures decrease plant yields?
News Article: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100211141140.htm
Journal Article: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/327/5967/833