Climate change affects more than weather. It directly threatens global food systems. Heat waves, droughts, heavy rain, and rising sea levels reduce crop and fish production. Many international reports warn that climate change and food insecurity are now closely connected 

problems. This newsletter introduces three recent cases that show how climate change harms food production around the world.

1. Extreme Heat Reduces Global Wheat Production

Many regions such as Europe, China, and North America experienced record heat during the 2024 summer season. According to Reuters, global wheat production decreased by 12 percent compared to the previous year. Heat caused wheat plants to dry before they fully matured. The grains also became smaller and lost moisture, which lowered the quality. Food prices quickly increased. The global grain price index rose by 18 percent. In many developing countries, the price of basic food such as bread and noodles increased sharply. This situation created economic and social pressure. Scientists explain that extreme heat is not a one-time event. It is becoming a repeated pattern that will continue to damage world food production.

2. Marine Heat Waves Cut Fish Catches Almost in Half

Unusually high ocean temperatures, also called marine heat waves, are spreading in many parts of the world. Fish catches in some regions decreased by 40 to 60 percent compared to normal years. In Korea, Japan, and the west coast of the United States, seaweed forests such as kelp and sea mustard have died because of high water temperature. Cold-water fish such as salmon, mackerel, and pollock are moving to new areas or dying. Fishermen say they cannot predict fishing seasons anymore, which makes it difficult to maintain their income.

Experts believe marine heat waves are a sign that the ocean ecosystem is changing permanently.

3. East Africa Faces Severe Drought and Hunger

Countries in East Africa, including Ethiopia, Somalia, and Kenya, are suffering from the worst drought in forty years. The United Nations reports that more than 70 million people face serious food shortages. Crop production decreased by 40 to 70 percent because of long-term lack of rain. Many livestock animals died, which destroyed the main source of income for many families. Climate change also increases poverty and conflict, so hunger becomes not only a natural disaster problem but also a humanitarian crisis. The United Nations calls for urgent international support to protect people in the region.

References

Reuters. (2024). Global wheat output falls as heatwaves hurt crops. https://www.reuters.com

BBC News. (2024). Marine heatwaves cut global fish catches. https://www.bbc.com

United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. (2024). Horn of Africa drought situation report. https://reliefweb.int