Agriculture: Climatic change and its implications

In spite of many uncertainties surrounding the nature of future changes in climate, a number of indications are emerging of the likely implications for agriculture. At high mid-latitudes, agriculture is at present constrained by low temperatures; projections of preferential warming at these latitudes suggest that their productive potential may be enhanced, although the traditional balance between agriculture and forestry may be disrupted by a poleward retreat of the boreal zone, and by the problem of over-production of grain crops. Mid-latitude continental areas, containing the world's 'breadbasket' regions, may suffer declines in productivity due to increased moisture stress during the growing season. The most inherently vulnerable regions, generally located at lower middle and low latitudes, appear to be particularly at risk as any changes in climate may further stress the already limited production capacity.