False, Forbes, climate change does not threaten food security – Watt?

Forbes'Recent articles, “Climate change threatens food security – Can data become a real hero?transparent Promoting familiar but misleading claims: This climate change poses a major threat to global food production. This narrative is not only wrong, but also means the opposite of the truth. Real-world agricultural data and science studying plant growth and food production show that moderate warming and improvements in rainfall have benefited plant growth to date from general and crop yields, more specifically.

Agricultural yields continue to reach record highs, with multiple scientific analyses showing no evidence of climate-related farming threats. In fact, a peer-reviewed study was recently published Scientific Reports There were no obvious global climate and food production risks found. However, Forbes Other media continue to promote an alert view that is inconsistent with observed trends.

The study was published in Scientific Reports It clearly contradicts Forbes' fear. Researchers found that climate variability has no Causes global reduction of agricultural productivity. Instead, technological advances, better agricultural approaches and increased atmospheric co-level levels (enhanced plant growth) far outweigh any secondary regional climate fluctuations. The study points out:

“There is no clear trend that shows a decline in global agricultural output due to climate change. Instead, improvements in irrigation, genetics and agricultural technology support a rising rate of return.”

This coincides with a wider study that shows that human adaptability continues to outweigh climate-related challenges, both real and theoretical. The notion that climate change is an existential crisis in agriculture cannot withstand scrutiny.

If climate change is indeed devastating agriculture, we expect a decline in yields and a wide range of crop failures. Instead, things are happening. Production of staple crops (corn, wheat, rice and soy) around the world is increasing. Both the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) report record agricultural production year after year.

For example:

• Despite claims that climate change makes farming more difficult, global wheat production remains at an all-time high.
• Corn and soybean production continues to rise, benefiting from improved technology, fertilization and better agricultural practices.
• Even in areas commonly referred to as “risk”, such as Africa and South Asia, crop yields are growing steadily.

Forbes“ Claims that food security is under threat are exposed by the reality of the Green Earth and record crop yields. The truth is that food abundance has grown dramatically in the last century and there is no data that suggests that this trend will reverse.

Forbes“The article follows a series of exaggerated claims about climate change and agriculture, many of which have been debunked. For further evidence, consider these reports Climate Realismdespite claims from alarmists, emphasizes real-world agricultural success:

These facts are full of refutations from government and industry data, completely refuting Forbes'The claims on food security are threatened by climate change, suggesting that its speculation about the future is politically motivated. The data clearly show that agricultural productivity is increasing, not declining, and scientific research has found no significant global climate threat to farming. We should recognize the continued success of modern agriculture driven by technology, adaptation and fertilization, rather than pushing unfounded fears.

Global warming can extend the growing season, reduce frost events, and make land more suitable for crop production. In addition, carbon dioxide is an aerial fertilizer for plant lifespan. In addition, under higher carbon dioxide conditions, crops use water more efficiently, thus reducing water for transpiration.

The benefit of the world of atmospheric carbon dioxide and moderately warming 30 years ago is that there is 17% more food available per person, even as the number of billions grows. Indeed, the hunger, malnutrition and hunger in human history have been the greatest in the past 20 years. These facts should be informed Forbes'An analysis of the impact of climate change on food security – Instead, media media ignores the decline in hunger and malnutrition to whip the catastrophic climate change narrative.

The real threat to food security is not climate change, but flawed reports are used to encourage and provide cover for bad policies. Restrictive environmental regulations, misleading carbon reduction programs and anti-modern agricultural policies are far more dangerous to global food production than natural climate change.

Forbesas usual, chose narrative rather than nuance. The data tells a very different story – a resilience, progress and record-breaking harvest. Readers deserve facts, not fear.

Anthony Watts

Anthony Watts is a senior researcher in the Environment and Climate at the Heartland Institute. Watts has been in the weather business in front of and behind the camera since 1978 and currently broadcast forecasts are being made every day. He created a weather graphics demonstration system for television, professional weather instruments, and co-authored a peer-reviewed paper on climate issues. He runs the most viewed website in the world on the award-winning site wattsupwiththat.com.

Originally published in ClimateRealism

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