November 27, 2019

World Resources Institute - new crisis may affect world's crops

The US think tank said water shortages from irregular rainfalls caused by climate change may threaten up to 40% of the world's irrigated crops by 2040, reported Reuters.

Rutger Hofste, WRI associate alerted the Thomson Reuters Foundation about the new 'silent crisis' that will affect the world's crops. 

WRI recently launched Aqueduct Food, an online tool that maps water risks for more than 40 crops grown globally.

The tool found that close to 67% of wheat, 64% of corn and 19% of rice are grown in locations at risk of high water stress by 2040.

The think tank said action should be taken immediately to prevent the crisis from happening. These include improving irrigation and soil, selecting better crops and minimising food loss and waste.

-      Reuters