> ENC Master > Climate Encyclopaedia > Food & Climate > basics > 1. Plants and climate
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Plants and climateWhy is climate change of concern in agriculture?Agriculture is essentially dependent on climate, because heat, light, and water are the main drivers of crop growth. Plant diseases, as well as the water needed for irrigation are also dependent on climate.
|
The total amount of world food production varies from year to year, largely as a result of weather conditions that also change in time. But agriculture in some regions is more sensitive than in others, mostly in the developing countries where the available technology to prevent droughts and floods is less advanced, and also in those regions where soils, terrain and climate are less suited to growing crops. What is the main task nowadays? To identify those regions likely to be most vulnerable to climate change, so that impacts can be avoided (or at least reduced), adapting life to the new changes.
|
|
|
1. Scientific reviewer: Alex de Sherbinin - CIESIN, Columbia University - USA 2. Scientific reviewer: Lily Parshall - Goddard Institute for space studies, Columbia University - USA Educational reviewer: Emilio Sternfeld - Colegio Virgen de Mirasierra - España Last update: 12/05/2004 |