UN agency: climate change will hit agriculture in developing countries, increase poverty
By APWednesday, September 30, 2009
UN: climate change impact on agriculture dire
ROME — A U.N. agency warns that the climate change will badly affect agriculture and hit developing nations hardest, leading to unreliable food production and higher prices.
The Food and Agriculture Organization says climate change will push food prices moderately up until 2050. After that, prices will rise more significantly in line with further increases in temperatures.
The Rome-based agency on Wednesday estimated that until 2050 developing countries may experience a decline of between 9 and 21 percent in potential agricultural productivity. For many African countries, this could lead to increased dependency on food imports.
The paper said adaptation policies will be costly but vital to ensure access to food and reduce poverty.
