A new study warns that aridification, drought and wildfires could affect a quarter of the earth's land if average world temperatures continue to rise.
New research warns that over a quarter of the world’s land could become significantly drier and at risk of aridification if world temperatures continue to rise. Rising temperatures could also increase the threat of drought and the risk of wildfires across the world.
The areas of the world which would most benefit from keeping warming below 1.5C are parts of South East Asia, Southern Europe, Southern Africa, Central America and Southern Australia.- Felipe Cruz, Olave
The study was published on January 1, 2018 in the scientific journal, Nature Climate Change.
As part of the research, an international team of scientists from the University of East Anglia in the U.K. and the Southern University of Science and Technology in Shenzhen, China looked at projections from 27 global climate models in order to identify the areas of the world where aridity could substantially increase if temperatures reach 1.5 and 2°C above pre-industrial levels.
“Aridification is a serious threat because it can critically impact areas such as agriculture, water quality, and biodiversity,” said the study’s lead author, Chang-Eui Park of the Southern University of Science and Technology. “It can also lead to more droughts and wildfires — similar to those seen raging across California.”
The researchers estimated that an increase in the average world temperature of 2°C between 2052 and 2070 would result in a rise in aridity of 24 to 32 percent of the earth’s land.
“The areas of the world which would most benefit from keeping warming below 1.5C are parts of South East Asia, Southern Europe, Southern Africa, Central America and Southern Australia — where more than 20 percent of the world’s population lives today,” warned another of the study’s authors, Tim Osborn from the University of East Anglia.
However, the study concluded that aridification could be avoided in two-thirds of the regions most at risk if average world temperatures were limited to an increase of 1.5°C. This means that if appropriate action is taken to mitigate climate change, the threat of this negative consequence is significantly reduced.
The Paris Climate Agreement aims to limit the global average temperature rise to below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with a preferred target of 1.5°C. Close to 200 countries signed the agreement and have pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in an effort to reach this target by 2050.
More articles on: climate change, drought, environment
Feb. 19, 2024
Conflict and Weather Extremes Dwindle Lebanese Harvest
The cross-border fire between the militant group Hezbollah and Israel has resulted in thousands of Lebanese fleeing north and even more olives left unharvested.
Nov. 20, 2023
Insurance Needs for Olive Growers Change with Climate
The cost of covering olive groves is rising as climate change makes Europe increasingly hot and dry. Farmers can adopt some technology to help.
Feb. 7, 2024
Acesur CEO Highlights Andalusia's Key Role in Sector's Future
Gonzalo Guillén believes production capacity is the limiting factor to increase olive oil consumption and Andalusia remains best positioned to expand the market.
Jan. 3, 2024
Tuscany Announces Funds to Prevent Olive Grove Abandonment
The measures are meant to encourage growers to take care of abandoned olive trees in difficult terrains and maintain them to prevent wildfire and pest development
Jun. 25, 2024
Green Deal Under Threat After E.U. Elections
While climate change is expected to be relegated in the E.U.’s priorities after the European elections, farmers are unlikely to see changes in their work in the near future.
Dec. 11, 2023
Organic Farm in Jaén Blazes a Trail for Selling Carbon Credits
O.Live generates about 4.5 carbon credits per hectare from its 1,000 hectares of organic groves, establishing a model for producers to increase revenue.
Dec. 14, 2023
Tightening Water Regulations in California May Spur Olive Cultivation
While irrigated olive groves still use plenty of water, increasingly strict prohibitions, especially in the San Joaquin Valley, may carve out a new niche for dryland olive groves.
Apr. 10, 2024
Farmers Protest European Agricultural Policies in Madrid
The protestors demand exceptions for European environmental regulations that they argue make their products less competitive on the global market.