Climate variability and vulnerability to climate change: a review.

Area of Science:

• Climate Science
• Agricultural Science
• Food Security Studies

Background:

• Most climate change impact studies focus on mean climate changes, potentially underestimating risks.
• Changes in climate variability and extreme events significantly affect biological and human systems.
• Developing nations face particular vulnerability due to reliance on agriculture.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review impacts of climate variability and extreme events on biological and food systems.
• To analyze the link between increased climate variability and future food insecurity.
• To identify knowledge gaps and adaptation strategies for climate variability.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on climate change impacts.
• New analysis linking climate variability with food insecurity trends.
• Consideration of human coping and adaptation mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Climate variability and extreme events are likely underestimated threats to food systems.
• Tentative links found between increased climate variability and rising food insecurity.
• Identified critical knowledge gaps in understanding climate stresses on crops, livestock, and pest complexes.

Conclusions:

• Reframing research is crucial for actionable answers for decision-makers.
• Investment in climate and environmental monitoring is essential.
• Understanding full climate change impacts is key to addressing food security in developing countries.