Increased temperatures of the planet are causing climate change, and as we have discussed in various blogs previously, climate change has devastating effects on life on Earth. From Animals and plants losing habitat to entire species of fruits, plants, and animals facing the threat of extinction, the consequences of human action are far-reaching. These changes are now even reaching our dining tables! Let us take a look at how that is happening!
Climate change-related atmospheric temperature increases have an impact on agriculture and the availability of high-demand items including coffee, chocolate, honey, avocados, wine, shellfish, strawberries, and bananas. These foods are currently in danger of going extinct shortly. These cherished foods, which make up the majority of our daily diet, are probably on the verge of extinction if climate change continues on its current track.
The world’s land and water resources are in danger of extinction owing to climate change, according to a report published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The abuse of these natural resources is detailed in the report at previously unheard-of rates.
To put it another way, they are unable to maintain the current output rates. Around the world, the rate of soil erosion is between 10 and 100 times greater than the rate of soil replenishment. Such soil erosions worsen agricultural losses, which has an even greater impact on food extinction.
Let us take a look at some of our favourite foods that are facing extinction:
1. Coffee
Coffee stands as one of the most consumed beverages in the world. Similar to other food production, coffee bean growing is impacted by rising climate change. The production of coffee beans is influenced by the rise in greenhouse gases, pollution and sea levels. There are more than a hundred distinct species of coffee, all of which grow in more tropical environments. The delicate plant that produces coffee beans needs a particular atmosphere to thrive.
The Columbian mountain region, famous for its wonderful coffee beans, is warming by 0.5 degrees Fahrenheit (0.3 Celsius) per decade, according to a Yale University article. The amount of daily sunlight in the area has reduced by 19% over the past three decades, according to a study by a group of scientists. A successful coffee tree’s natural output is impacted by the waning sunshine.
Insect populations will rise as the climate continues to change and temperatures rise. Reduced tree vigour and insects’ capacity to proliferate in response to increasing temperatures are the causes of the expanding bug population. Coffee bean production is further threatened by insect destruction and decreased soil density.
2. Chocolate
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports that by 2050, cocoa trees may be extinct due to climate change.
The cacao tree grows close to the equator and flourishes in humid rainforests with regular rainfall and warm temperatures. According to studies, the local temperature is predicted to rise by 3.8 degrees Fahrenheit (2.1 degrees Celsius) by the year 2050. Increased evapotranspiration, which is the process by which water evaporates from leaves during photosynthesis, has an impact on cacao production even though rising temperatures won’t directly harm cocoa production. The increase in rainfall, which is required to balance the quantity of moisture in the atmosphere for cocoa trees to flourish, is not anticipated to offset the rise in temperatures. This will unavoidably affect cacao’s ability to be produced sustainably and its appeal to growers.
3. Honey
According to an ABC News investigation, between 2018 and 2019, there was a 40% reduction in the honeybee population, up 7% from the prior year. Since 2006, these high averages have become common. Some locations have witnessed 90 percent bee colony losses, while other regions have seen smaller declines. This is referred to as “colony collapse disorder” by National Geographic.
4. Bananas
Around the world, 120 tropical nations cultivate bananas, another tasty and well-liked fruit. Africa, Asia, and South America account for the majority of production.
Crop production is increasing in nations like Ecuador and Honduras as the climate issue causes temperatures to rise around the globe. However, crop yields have decreased in the top producers of bananas, including Brazil, Ivory Coast, and India. In humid, warm areas with temperatures between 80 and 95 degrees, bananas grow well (27 to 35 degrees Celsius).