Scorching Futures: Extreme Heat and Food Security

Context

A joint report by the Food and Agriculture Organization and World Meteorological Organization highlights that extreme heat is severely threatening global and Indian agrifood systems, pushing them towards crisis.

Q1. What are the key findings of the FAO-WMO report on extreme heat impacts on agriculture and food systems?

1. The report warns that rising heatwaves are destabilising agrifood systems globally, affecting both production and livelihoods.
2. Extreme heat is increasing climate stress on crops, livestock, and agricultural workers.
3. The impact is multidimensional – covering food security, labour productivity, and ecosystem sustainability.
4. It signals that without urgent action, food systems may become highly vulnerable and less resilient.

Q2. How is extreme heat affecting food security and agricultural productivity in India?

1. Rice and wheat production are highly vulnerable, especially in the Ganga and Indus river basins.
2. Yields of fruits, vegetables, dairy, and poultry are expected to decline.
3. Rising heat leads to:
   1. Increase in pests and disease outbreaks
   2. Water stress and rainfall deficits
4. Overall, this threatens India’s food security and rural livelihoods.

Q3. What risks does extreme heat pose to agricultural workers and labour productivity?

1. High temperatures combined with humidity reduce human work capacity.
2. By the end of the 21st century, work capacity may decline by up to 40% under high-emission scenarios.
3. This is linked to rising wet-bulb temperatures (combined heat + humidity).
4. Reduced labour productivity can lead to lower agricultural output and increased economic vulnerability of farm workers.

Q4. What is wet-bulb temperature and why is it significant for agriculture & human survival?

1. Wet-bulb temperature measures the lowest temperature achievable through evaporation (heat + humidity combined).
2. It indicates how effectively the human body can cool through sweating.
3. High wet-bulb temperatures can make outdoor work dangerous or even life-threatening.
4. It is crucial for assessing climate risks to labour-intensive sectors like agriculture.

Q5. What adaptation strategies does the report recommend to address extreme heat impacts on agriculture?

1. On-Farm Adaptation
   1. Development of heat-resistant crop varieties and livestock breeds
   2. Adjusting cropping patterns and planting schedules
   3. Improving irrigation systems and shading practices
2. Early Warning Systems
   1. Use of seasonal forecasts and climate advisories
   2. Helps farmers anticipate heatwaves and take preventive measures
3. Financial Protection Measures
   1. Access to crop insurance, cash transfers, and social protection schemes
   2. Supports farmers in recovering from climate shocks

Q6. Why is climate change mitigation essential for protecting global food systems?

1. Extreme heat is driven by high greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Without mitigation, climate impacts will intensify, causing:
   1. Severe crop losses
   2. Increased food insecurity
3. Transitioning to a low-emission development pathway is necessary for long-term sustainability.

Q7. What roles do FAO & WMO play in addressing climate & agricultural challenges globally?

1. Food and Agriculture Organization
   1. Established in 1945; headquarters in Rome
   2. Leads global efforts to eliminate hunger and improve food systems
   3. Publishes key reports like State of Food and Agriculture
2. World Meteorological Organization
   1. Established in 1950; headquarters in Geneva
   2. Focuses on weather, climate and hydrology cooperation
   3. Co-founded the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change with UNEP

Conclusion

The report clearly shows that extreme heat is a growing threat to agriculture & livelihoods. Strengthening adaptation measures alongside urgent climate mitigation is essential to secure future food systems.