Feeding the World in a Changing Climate
Climate-smart agriculture and water security strategies for resilient food systems
Your Progress
Section 3 of 5The Food-Water-Climate Nexus
Agriculture uses 70% of global freshwater. Climate change disrupts both rainfall patterns and crop physiology. The collision creates food insecurity for billions.
The Compounding Stresses
- ↑Temperature Stress: Every 1°C above optimal reduces yields by 5-10%. Heat during pollination causes crop failure.
- 💧Water Scarcity: Changing rainfall, depleting aquifers, competing demands. Irrigation becomes unreliable or impossible.
- 🦗Pests & Diseases: Warmer climates expand pest ranges. New pathogens emerge. Traditional controls fail.
Global Impact Scale
-10 to -30%
Projected yield losses for major crops by 2050 without adaptation
2.4 billion
People living in severely water-stressed regions by 2050
$50-150B
Annual climate adaptation costs for agriculture globally
Interactive Climate-Smart Agriculture Planner
Design an adaptive farming system for different climate-stressed regions
🌍Sub-Saharan Africa (Sahel)
Historical Baseline (1990-2020)
Precipitation: 300-600mm
Temperature: 28-32°C
Reliability: 45%
Projected 2050 Conditions
Precipitation: 200-500mm (-25%)
Temperature: 31-36°C (+3°C)
Reliability: 28%
⚠️ Severe drought
🌾 Reality Check: Climate-smart agriculture isn't one-size-fits-all. The best adaptation strategy combines crop diversity, water efficiency, soil health, and local knowledge. No single technology solves everything.
Three-Pillar Adaptation Strategy
1. Crop Resilience
Breeding & Genetics:
- Drought-tolerant varieties (deep roots, water-use efficiency)
- Heat-resistant crops (stable yield above 35°C)
- Flood-tolerant rice (submergence for 2+ weeks)
Diversification:
- Multiple crop species reduce risk
- Intercropping and agroforestry
- Indigenous/neglected crops revival
2. Water Management
Efficiency Technologies:
- Drip irrigation (90% efficiency vs 40% flood)
- Soil moisture sensors + AI scheduling
- Deficit irrigation (controlled stress)
Conservation Practices:
- Rainwater harvesting structures
- Groundwater recharge systems
- Mulching and cover crops reduce evaporation
3. Soil Health & Carbon
Regenerative Practices:
- No-till farming preserves structure
- Compost + biochar improve water retention
- Mycorrhizal networks enhance resilience
Co-Benefits:
- Soil carbon sequestration (0.5-1 tC/ha/yr)
- Improved infiltration prevents runoff
- Nutrient cycling reduces fertilizer need