Climate change and world food supply

Abstract

Climate change could have far‐reaching effects on agriculture, trade patterns, development and food security. This article examines quantitatively the impact of climate change on food production and numbers at risk of hunger, allowing for factors such as latitude and farming practice. Globally, a doubling of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) level may lead to a small to moderate decrease in food production, but developing countries would bear the brunt of the consequences. To prevent widespread hunger, the agricultural industry should develop management programmes for hot and dry conditions, in conjunction with measures to slow the growth of the human population and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.