Will Staple Crops Like Rice And Corn Survive Global Warming?

Scientists have recently warned that as the Earth continues to warm up every year, certain staple crops like wheat and coffee will start to disappear.A recent study published in the journal Nature Communications added corn and rice to that list, predicting that by the mid-twenty-first century crop yields will become increasingly vulnerable to rising temperatures.

Although wheat, rice, and corn crop yields have actually increased in recent decades, it hasn't been enough to keep up with a steadily rising global population, especially with the scorched earth threat. Farm belts where the perfect amount of heat, sunshine, and rain allow these staple crops to grow in abundance will shrink in size or move entirely, according to the research.

The eastern United States, where much corn and wheat is grown, is expected to be hit the hardest with barren farmland. Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa, and parts of South America will be negatively affected to a lesser extent. However, the good news is that other colder regions in Russia and Canada could become ideal agricultural land.