Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Palestinian Ministry of Health: Two were martyred in Israeli shelling that targeted a besieged house in the town of Qabatiya in Jenin
At least 68 dead in migrant shipwreck off Yemen: IOM
Trump: We want to feed the people in Gaza, we do not want them to starve.
US President Donald Trump: We will impose sanctions on Russia if it does not end the war on Ukraine.
Israeli media: Polls show that 52% oppose Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu while only 29% support him.
Israeli media: 32% of Americans still support "Israel's" war on Hamas, while 60% oppose it.
Israeli media: Core US support for "Israel" hits its lowest, while support for Palestine reaches its highest levels.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent reports martyrs, injuries in Israeli bombardment of home in Heker al-Jame area in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza.
Al-Quds Governorate: Today, the spatial division of Al-Aqsa Mosque began in a public and dangerous manner, and we warn of a religious war in the region
The Ministry of Health in Gaza: This brings the total number of victims of famine and malnutrition to 175, including 93 children

Periled planet: Scorching heatwaves put global food security at risk

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: The Guardian
  • 21 Jul 2023 12:22
3 Min Read

Researchers warn that human life and the food supply chain are endangered as heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense.

  • x
  • Wild deer rummage through bags of rubbish in Sri Lanka’s Trincomalee district. (AFP via Getty Images)
    Wild deer rummage through bags of rubbish in Sri Lanka’s Trincomalee district. (AFP via Getty Images)

Researchers are warning that successive heatwaves are posing a severe threat to nature's ability to provide food. The Earth is experiencing record temperatures, resulting in devastating consequences for both land and ocean ecosystems. Human life and the food supply chain are endangered as heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense.

John Marsham, a professor of atmospheric science, emphasizes as quoted by The Guardian that the global food system is at risk, as simultaneous major crop losses in different regions could significantly impact food availability and prices. Marsham went on to say that natural ecosystems and farmed lands are vulnerable and cannot adapt to extreme heat like humans can with air conditioning.

Europe, the US, and China have all experienced heatwaves that led to crop failures and losses. These events are expected to become 12 times more frequent by 2040 compared to pre-warming levels, leaving nature with insufficient time to recover.

The climate crisis not only increases atmospheric heatwaves but also leads to oceanic heatwaves that harm coastal communities and threaten marine life, another crucial food source for humans. The stress from heatwaves causes massive die-offs, as seen with the 2021 "heat dome" event that killed an estimated 1 billion marine animals off Canada's Pacific coast.

A cluster of factors, which for most countries consists of a combination of #economic shocks, conflict, and insecurity, as well as displacement and natural catastrophes, was identified by the #UN as the cause of severe food insecurity. pic.twitter.com/DrVUk66vGo

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) July 7, 2023

Daniela Schmidt, a professor of earth sciences, expresses concern over the often overlooked impact of marine heatwaves, which can silently cause extensive damage. Vulnerable ecosystems, particularly tropical oceans with stable year-round temperatures, are at risk. For instance, the warming of 2°C is expected to devastate tropical coral reefs, jeopardizing their significant biodiversity and support for millions of people, mostly in impoverished countries.

The implications of extreme heat on land vertebrates are becoming apparent, with up to 41% of them projected to experience extreme thermal events by 2099 under a high-emissions scenario. Hot temperatures induce various problems for species, affecting growth, fertility, immunity, and behavior, and could drive more species toward extinction.

Dr. Nicole Miranda, a senior researcher at the Oxford Martin program on the Future of Cooling, believes that nature itself can play a crucial role in mitigating extreme heat effects. Bodies of water, such as ponds and fountains, can make landscapes more resilient in hot, dry summers, reducing the risk of wildfires and alleviating drought impacts. Vegetation also helps passively cool surroundings through shading and evapotranspiration.

While research is only beginning to uncover the full extent of heat's impact on ecosystems, urgent action is needed to address the consequences of climate change. Preserving natural environments and implementing measures to cool urban areas are essential steps to protect the planet's biodiversity and ensure a sustainable future for humanity.

  • food supply
  • Food Shortages
  • Climate crisis
  • Heatwave
  • Food Security

Most Read

A rescued crew member from the ETERNITY C vessel in a video released by the Yemeni Armed Forces on July 28, 2025 (Yemeni Military Media)

Yemen Navy reveals fate of targeted Eternity C ship crew

  • Politics
  • 28 Jul 2025
An Israeli tank explodes following an ambush by al-Qassam Brigades in Gaza, Occupied Palestine, undated (Al-Qassam Military Media)

Al-Qassam strikes Israeli vehicles in Gaza, inflicts casualties

  • Politics
  • 30 Jul 2025
UAE lodges complaint against Israeli ambassador over 'misbehavior'

UAE lodges complaint against Israeli ambassador over 'misbehavior'

  • Politics
  • 1 Aug 2025
Protesters chant anti-Israeli slogans as they carry a banner that reads:" Freedom for Palestine, Alliance stop the war," during a demonstration in support of Palestinians in Gaza, outside the Israeli embassy, in Athens, Monday, June 9, 2025 (AP)

Athens mayor slams Israeli ambassador over Gaza war, graffiti claim

  • Politics
  • 3 Aug 2025

Coverage

All
The Ummah's Martyrs

Read Next

All
A member of the al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, takes part in a parade as he celebrates a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and the Israeli regime in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Sunday, January 19, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Al-Qassam: We’ll allow aid to Israeli captives if Gaza siege ends

Freed Lebanese freedom fighter Georges Abdallah during an interview on Al Mayadeen, which aired on Sunday, August 3, 2025 (Al Mayadeen screengrab)
Politics

Exclusive: Resistance key to building state, Georges Abdallah says

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres gives a statement about the situation in Gaza at UN headquarters, Friday, June 27, 2025 (AP)
Politics

UN warns Gaza faces water crisis, looming famine under Israeli siege

Israeli soldiers drive their armored personnel carrier along the Gaza Strip, in southern occupied Palestine, Wednesday, July 30, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Ex-Israeli general says Gaza starvation campaign isolated 'Israel'

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS