Nutritional diversity is a key element of food security. However, research on the effects of climate change on food security has, thus far, focussed on the major food grains, while the response of other crops, particularly those that play an important role in the developing world, are poorly understood. Bananas are a staple food and a major export commodity for many tropical nations. Here we show that for 27 countries - accounting for 86% of global dessert banana production - a changing climate since 1961 has increased yields by an average of 1.37 T.ha. Past gains have been largely ubiquitous across the countries assessed and African producers will continue to see yield increases into the future. However, global yield gains could be dampened or disappear in the future, reducing to 0.59 T.haand 0.19 T.haby 2050 under the RCP 4.5 and 8.5 climate scenarios, respectively, driven by declining yields amongst the largest producers and exporters. By quantifying climate-driven and technology-driven influences on yield, we also identify countries at risk from climate change and those capable of mitigating its effects, or capitalising on its benefits.
AbstractClimate change will affect both the mean and the variability in environmental conditions and may have major negative impacts on population densities in the future. For annual plants that already live in an extreme environment like the Sonoran Desert, keeping a fraction of their seeds dormant underground (for possibly years at a time) is critical to survive. Here, we consider how this form of bet hedging (i.
AbstractChanging climates are driving population declines in diverse animals worldwide. Winter conditions may play an important role in these declines but are often overlooked. Animals must not only survive winter but also preserve body condition, a key determinant of growing season success.
Agricultural productivity remains pivotal to the sustenance of the economies and livelihoods of Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. However, the emerging threat of climate change poses a significant challenge to these agricultural-dependent economies. Sub-Saharan African countries are at risk of experiencing the severe effects of climate change on their agricultural productivity.
Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, El Cerrillo Piedras Blancas, 50295, Toluca, Estado de México, Mexico.
Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from livestock is a crucial step towards mitigating the impact of climate change and improving environmental sustainability in agriculture. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Yucca schidigera extract, chitosan, and chitosan nanoparticles as feed additives on in vitro GHG emissions and fermentation profiles in ruminal fluid from bulls. Total gas, CH, CO, and HS emissions (up to 48 h), rumen fermentation profiles, and CH conversion efficiency were measured using standard protocols.
Institute for Lung Research, German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Centre, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a major global health concern as it is a leading cause of morbidity, mortality and economic burden to the health care systems. In Germany, more than 15,000 people die every year from CAP. Climate change is altering weather patterns, and it may influence the probability and severity of CAP.
