By Katsina Times
A new United Nations report has warned that rising extreme heat is increasingly disrupting global agrifood systems, putting the livelihoods and health of over one billion people at risk.
The report, jointly released on Wednesday by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), highlights a sharp increase in the frequency, intensity, and duration of heatwaves over the past 50 years.
Titled “Extreme Heat and Agriculture,” the report notes that rising temperatures are already affecting farming systems and natural landscapes worldwide. According to the findings, livestock begin to suffer heat stress at temperatures above 25°C, while yields of major crops decline once temperatures exceed 30°C.
Aquatic life is also under threat, as fish exposed to elevated water temperatures face increased risk of cardiac failure. The report revealed that in 2024, about 91 per cent of the global ocean experienced at least one marine heatwave.
The impact extends to human labour, particularly in vulnerable regions. In parts of South Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and Central and South America, extreme heat may render outdoor work unsafe for up to 250 days each year. Globally, this has resulted in an estimated loss of about 500 billion working hours annually.
The UN agencies described extreme heat as a “risk multiplier,” intensifying other environmental challenges such as droughts, wildfires, and the spread of pests and diseases.
To mitigate the impact, the report recommends a range of adaptive measures, including the development of heat-resistant crop varieties, adjustments in planting schedules, and improved farm management practices.
FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu said the findings underscore the growing pressure extreme heat places on crops, livestock, fisheries, and forests. Similarly, WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo emphasized that extreme heat is no longer an isolated climate issue but a compounding factor that worsens existing vulnerabilities within agricultural systems.
The report also stressed the need to address socio-economic challenges, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, alongside implementing technical solutions to build resilience against rising temperatures.
(NAN)
