Friday, August 1News That Matters

Tag: food security

Heat Threatens Latin America Banana Industry, Puts Global Supply at Risk

Heat Threatens Latin America Banana Industry, Puts Global Supply at Risk

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Environment, Fact Check
Climate Pressures Shrinking Banana-Growing Zones Rising global temperatures are pushing Latin America’s banana-producing regions toward unsuitability, with new research warning that by 2080, up to 60% of current export-suitable areas could be lost without urgent climate action. Brazil’s Farmers Struggle in the Heat In Brazil’s northeastern state of Bahia, banana farmers are already facing severe impacts. Even with irrigation, plantations are showing signs of stress during prolonged heatwaves. In 2023, extreme heat reduced harvest output by 15%, and similar conditions are likely to return this year. Major Exporters Under Threat The most vulnerable areas include Colombia and Costa Rica, key banana exporters to Europe and North America. These regions are experiencing rising te...
Heat to Chill in a Flash: Over 60% of the World Faces Deadly Climate ‘Flips’

Heat to Chill in a Flash: Over 60% of the World Faces Deadly Climate ‘Flips’

Breaking News, Climate Actions, Fact Check
Sudden Swings in Temperature Threaten Lives, Crops, and Climate Stability A new global study has revealed that more than 60% of the world has experienced sudden and extreme temperature shifts known as temperature flips over the past six decades. These rapid transitions from blistering heat to severe cold, or vice versa, leave little room for human or ecological systems to adapt, posing severe risks to health, infrastructure, agriculture, and the environment. What Are Temperature Flips? Temperature flips refer to short-term, intense shifts between extreme hot and cold conditions. Unlike isolated heatwaves or cold spells, these flips pack a double punch by swinging between both extremes within a short window. The study, published in Nature Communications found that these climate...