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Published on: November 21, 2015
Crop and pasture response to climate change
Francesco N Tubiello1, Jean-François Soussana, S Mark Howden
1Goddard Institute for Space Studies, Columbia University, 2880 Broadway, New York, NY 10025, USA. franci@giss.nasa.gov
Summary
This review examines how climate change affects crop and pasture plants, considering factors like CO2, extreme weather, and pests. It links plant science to socio-economic impacts and suggests future research integration.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Environmental Science
- Plant Biology
Background:
- Climate change presents significant challenges to global food security.
- Understanding plant responses is crucial for agricultural adaptation.
- Existing research spans various factors impacting crop and pasture species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent research on crop and pasture plant responses to climate change.
- To analyze the integration of fundamental plant science with socio-economic factors.
- To identify future research needs for climate change adaptation in agriculture.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of recent scientific research.
- Critical analysis of experimental and modeling studies.
- Synthesis of findings across diverse climate change impact areas.
Main Results:
- Elevated CO2, climate variability, extreme events, and pollutants significantly impact plant species.
- Weeds, pests, and diseases pose increasing threats to crops and livestock.
- Biodiversity and soil carbon pools are vulnerable to climate shifts.
- Socio-economic factors critically influence food production and trade outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Integrating plant-level knowledge with socio-economic variables is essential for realistic impact assessments.
- Future research should prioritize combined experimental and modeling approaches.
- Enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration is needed to address climate change challenges in agriculture.
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