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Climate Changes Affecting Global Agricultural Supply Chains
By Joe Purcell
Expert Author
Article Date: 2011-06-24
In coming years, the EPA refers to the IPCC's conclusion that North America as a whole will see a 5-20% increase in the first decades of this century. Yet, other areas will have greater food insecurity such as in the tropics. These drastic changes are all due to the changing climate the earth is experiencing.
Texas is suffering the worst drought since the Dust Bowl of the 1930s and China is in a similar situation, experiencing the worst drought for over 50 years. Crops in certain locations in Europe, China, the Southwest US, and elsewhere are experiencing dire situations. More than likely this is due to the changes in climate, specifically with regard to water. Comparing the current situation to 40 years ago, according to an article on Al Jazeera, there is about 40% less ice in the Arctic, the oceans are 30% more acidic, the atmosphere is 4% more wet (warmer air holds more water), which all results in "'more deluge and downpour in wet areas and more dryness in dry areas'."
The World Water Council notes that the global population tripled in the 20th century and water consumption rose six-fold. The pace of population growth isn't slowing either, there is an expected 40-50% growth in population just over the next 50 years. Already one-sixth of the global population does not have access to clean water, and as the total population grows, that one-sixth will go well beyond just 1.1 billion people.
Climate changes will cause global supply chains to shift, especially when it comes to issues of water. Because of this, supply chains in other sectors will also shift accordingly. Countries with developed economies and a strong middle class will be able to adapt to our changing world with new technologies, but countries that are still developing will become more and more dependent upon the industrialized world for basic supplies. Time will tell just how these changes will play out.
About the Author:
Joe Purcell is a technology virtuoso, cyberspace frontiersman, and connoisseur of Linux, Mac, and Windows alike.
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