Global climate change and future of agriculture

A review is made of the results of recent investigations of the effects of global climate change on agricultural production and on world food supplies. First, an examination is made of various climate change phenomena and, in particular, on the reduction of ground water availability, which may represent the most critical factor. Then, a look is given at various types of effects on agriculture, e.g., direct effects caused by increases in atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide, temperature and humidity related modifications to cultivation limits, drought, thermal stresses, climatic extremes, low soil fertility and the proliferation of crop damaging insects and weeds. Finally, a summary is developed of the probable general effects of climate change on crop production and animal breeding. The overall conclusion is that current crop production levels can probably be maintained, but at high cost. Negative effects on a regional scale may be significant. Expansion of agricultural zones in northern areas would offer limited help especially with regard to making up for probable losses in the production of cereals