Category: Research

How Climate Change is Changing Our Food

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A pile of dried corn cobs, some with missing kernels.
Climate change is affecting crop yields—this image of dried corn cobs. Farmers face crop challenges with unpredictable weather patterns and environmental stress. Photo by Livier Garcia on Pexels.

What You Need to Know

Have you ever noticed that certain fruits or vegetables seem harder to find at the grocery store—or that prices for some foods have gone up significantly? If so, you’re not alone. Climate change is reshaping the way we grow food, affecting where crops can thrive and making some foods more difficult to produce.

As global temperatures rise, extreme weather events become more common, and rainfall patterns shift, farmers worldwide are facing new challenges. Some crops may no longer be able to grow in areas where they have been farmed for generations. Others may start appearing in places where they were once impossible to grow.

Below, we’ll explore how climate change is impacting food production, what it means for global food diversity, and what steps we can take to ensure a stable food supply for the future.

Why Climate Matters for Our Food

Every plant has specific needs—some require warmth, others need cooler temperatures, and all depend on the right amount of water. Imagine a banana tree—it flourishes in warm, humid regions. Now think about wheat, which grows best in cooler, drier climates. These differences explain why certain foods are grown in specific parts of the world.

But as global temperatures rise, these conditions are changing. Some places are becoming too hot or too dry for traditional crops, while others are experiencing floods or unexpected frosts. These shifts are forcing farmers to rethink what they plant and where they plant it.

  • More heat: Many crops, like rice and corn, have an upper temperature limit. Once it gets too hot, they stop growing.

  • Unpredictable rainfall: Some areas are getting too much rain, while others face droughts, making it harder to maintain stable harvests.

  • Soil changes: Rising temperatures and irregular rainfall can lead to soil degradation, making it harder to grow food in certain areas.

In short, climate change is making it more difficult to maintain the world’s current food production system.

The Problem – Crops Are Losing Their Homes

Scientists estimate that by 2100, up to 30% of global food crops could be growing in areas that no longer support them. The impact will be especially severe in low-latitude regions, which include parts of Africa, South Asia, and Latin America.

Take rice, for example—a staple food for billions of people. If global temperatures rise by just 2°C (3.6°F), 17% of current rice-growing areas may no longer be suitable for production. That means farmers in these regions could struggle to produce enough food, leading to higher prices and potential food shortages.

This problem isn’t just about one crop. Other key foods like coconuts, yams, cowpeas, and pigeon peas could also see 50% or more of their global production become unsustainable under 3°C warming.

For many farmers, this means tough decisions—either adapt to the new climate, switch to different crops, or move elsewhere. But for people in these regions who rely on farming for food and income, these choices are not easy.

Some Places Will Gain, Others Will Lose

While some regions are struggling, others may actually benefit from climate change—at least in the short term.

  • North America and Europe could see an increase in food crop diversity as warming temperatures make it possible to grow foods that previously required warmer climates.

  • For example, Canada and northern parts of the U.S. may become suitable for crops like peaches, figs, and even citrus fruits.

  • Parts of Africa and South Asia may lose traditional crops like maize and coffee as conditions become too hot or dry.

But this shift isn’t as simple as it sounds. Just because a crop can grow in a new location doesn’t mean farmers are immediately ready to produce it. They need the right equipment, knowledge, and infrastructure to make the transition successful.

Additionally, pests and diseases that once affected crops in warmer climates may start appearing in new areas, making farming even more unpredictable.

Why Losing Crop Diversity is a Big Deal

A diverse food system is a strong food system. When farmers grow a variety of crops, it helps:

  • Protect against crop failures: If one crop struggles due to drought or disease, others can still provide food and income.

  • Support a stable food supply: Different crops provide different nutrients, ensuring balanced diets for communities.

  • Strengthen ecosystems: Crop diversity can improve soil health, reduce pest outbreaks, and increase resilience to extreme weather.

Climate change is reducing crop diversity, especially in low-latitude regions. When fewer crops can grow in an area, food supplies become more vulnerable to disease, pests, and climate disasters.

For example, if a region depends heavily on one type of grain and that grain fails due to extreme heat, food prices can skyrocket, leaving many people without affordable options. This is why protecting crop diversity is essential for food security.

What Can Be Done?

While the challenges are real, there are ways to adapt and protect our food supply. Here’s how different groups can take action:

Farmers can adapt by:

  • Growing heat-resistant and drought-tolerant crops.

  • Using smarter irrigation systems to conserve water.

  • Practicing crop rotation to keep soil healthy and improve resilience.

Scientists are helping by:

  • Developing new crop varieties that can handle extreme weather.

  • Improving soil management techniques to keep farmland productive.

  • Researching alternative farming methods like vertical and hydroponic farming.

Governments and communities can support by:

  • Creating policies that support sustainable farming and innovation.

  • Investing in research and education for farmers.

  • Helping farmers transition to new crops when necessary.

Consumers can make a difference by:

  • Supporting local farmers: Buying locally grown food helps reduce the carbon footprint.

  • Eating seasonal foods: This reduces the demand for crops that require excessive resources to grow in the wrong climate.

  • Reducing food waste: Less waste means less pressure on global food production.

Every action, big or small, contributes to a more sustainable food future.

The Future of Food is in Our Hands

Climate change is already reshaping our food system. Some regions are struggling to maintain traditional crops, while others are seeing new opportunities. But without careful planning, food shortages, rising prices, and loss of diversity could threaten global food security.

The good news? There are solutions. Farmers, scientists, policymakers, and consumers all have a role to play in ensuring a resilient and diverse food supply for future generations.

So next time you’re at the grocery store, take a moment to think about where your food comes from. What if your favorite fruits and vegetables disappeared? What steps can you take today to support a more sustainable food future?

The choices we make now will shape the food we eat tomorrow.

Source: Heikonen, S., Heino, M., Jalava, M., Siebert, S., Viviroli, D., & Kummu, M. (2025). Climate change threatens crop diversity at low latitudes. Nature Food. https://www.nature.com/articles/s43016-025-01135-w?error=cookies_not_supported&code=4791b26a-7950-40df-9a19-33dc3e5ebeff

Planetary Solvency: Why Our Future Depends on Protecting Nature

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Cover of 'Planetary solvency – finding our balance with nature: Global risk management for human prosperity' study.
Cover of “Planetary solvency – finding our balance with nature: Global risk management for human prosperity” study.

The Big Picture

Imagine waking up to find grocery store shelves half-empty, the price of fresh produce soaring, and unpredictable storms disrupting everyday life. This isn’t science fiction—it’s a growing reality as our planet’s climate shifts in dangerous ways.

Scientists warn that unless we change course, we risk reaching Planetary Insolvency—a state where nature can no longer support human needs. But here’s the good news: we still have time to act. Understanding the risks and making smarter choices today can help us create a future where people and nature thrive together.

What Is Planetary Solvency?

Think about a business. If it spends more money than it earns, it eventually goes bankrupt. Our planet works in a similar way—if we take more from nature than it can regenerate, we risk collapsing the very systems that support life.

Planetary Solvency is the idea that we must manage Earth’s resources wisely to keep society stable. This means keeping our air and water clean, protecting forests and oceans, and ensuring that nature continues to provide the essentials we rely on—like food, water, and a livable climate.

For decades, economies have focused on short-term profit without considering the environmental “debt” we’re racking up. Now, we’re starting to see the consequences—but it’s not too late to course-correct.

The Warning Signs: Key Statistics You Need to Know

Climate scientists and risk analysts have uncovered troubling trends that show just how urgent this issue is:

  • The past 12 months were the hottest on record, with global temperatures averaging 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels (Trust et al., 2025).

  • A key ocean current system (AMOC) has a 45% chance of collapsing by 2040. This would cause extreme weather shifts, including stronger hurricanes, longer droughts, and disrupted food production.

  • If global warming reaches 2.5°C, over 50% of land suitable for growing wheat and maize could be lost, making food shortages more common.

  • Economic risk models ignore 87% of industries, assuming they won’t be affected by climate change. This is a dangerous miscalculation—nearly all businesses depend on stable natural systems.

  • Some projections estimate that climate-driven disasters could reduce global GDP by up to 63% by 2100, leading to widespread economic instability.

The takeaway? Climate change isn’t just about rising temperatures—it affects food security, jobs, public health, and global stability.

Why Current Climate Plans Are Not Enough

Many governments have pledged to cut carbon emissions and protect ecosystems, but current efforts fall short. Here’s why:

  • The Paris Agreement didn’t account for tipping points: Climate disasters don’t happen in isolation. When one event (like Arctic ice melting) triggers another (such as changing ocean currents), the effects spiral out of control. Many climate policies fail to consider this domino effect.

  • Short-term economic focus: Many governments prioritize economic growth over environmental stability, even though our economy depends on nature—from agriculture to clean water to disaster resilience.

  • Underestimated risks: Climate models often leave out the worst-case scenarios because they are hard to predict. However, ignoring unlikely but catastrophic events is a major risk management failure.

In short, we need stronger and more realistic climate policies that recognize the full scale of the threat.

What Needs to Change: The RESILIENCE Plan

To prevent Planetary Insolvency, experts recommend a RESILIENCE-based approach, which includes:

  • Better Risk Assessments: Governments and businesses need realistic climate risk models—like financial audits, but for Earth’s health.

  • Stronger Policies: Enforceable limits on pollution, deforestation, and overfishing.

  • Faster Emissions Reductions: The longer we wait, the harder it becomes to prevent extreme warming.

  • Restoring Nature: Protecting and rebuilding ecosystems like forests and wetlands, which absorb carbon and prevent natural disasters.

  • Educating Leaders: Many policymakers lack a deep understanding of climate risk. We need climate-literate decision-makers who can balance economic growth with sustainability.

The path forward isn’t just about stopping damage—it’s about creating a world where nature and people thrive together.

What Can YOU Do?

While governments and businesses play a major role, individuals can make a difference too. Here are some ways to take action:

  • Stay Informed: Read about climate solutions, not just problems. Understanding what works can help shape smarter decisions.

  • Push for Policy Change: Vote for leaders and support policies that prioritize sustainability. Your voice matters.

  • Make Smarter Choices: Support businesses committed to sustainable practices. Reduce waste and be mindful of energy consumption.

  • Spread Awareness: Talk about these issues with friends and family. Many people want to help but don’t know where to start.

These small steps, when multiplied across millions of people, can drive real change.

Summing Up

The future isn’t set in stone. What we do today will determine whether our planet remains livable or spirals into crisis. By managing Earth’s resources as carefully as we manage money, we can protect future generations and ensure a stable, thriving world.The good news? We still have time to act—but the clock is ticking. Will we make the right choice?

Source: Trust, S., Saye, L., Bettis, O., Bedenham, G., Hampshire, O., Lenton, T. M., & Abrams, J. (2025, January). Planetary solvency – finding our balance with nature: Global risk management for human prosperity. Institute and Faculty of Actuaries & Exeter University.

Microplastics in Our Brains?!? What Scientists Have Discovered About Plastic Pollution and Human Health

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Comparison of microplastic accumulation in human organs—brain has 10x more than liver and kidney, visualized with sugar in glass jars.
Microplastic Concentrations in Human Organs: Brain samples contained 7–30 times higher MNP concentrations than liver or kidney tissues. Median MNP concentration in the brain (2024 samples): 4,917 µg/g (range: 4,026–5,608 µg/g). Median MNP concentration in the liver (2024 samples): 433 µg/g. Median MNP concentration in the kidney (2024 samples): 404 µg/g.

Why Should We Care?

Plastic pollution is everywhere. Scientists have found microplastics in our food, drinking water, and even the air we breathe. But a new study has revealed something even more alarming—microplastics are accumulating in human brains!

Researchers found that brain samples contained up to 30 times more microplastics than other organs, raising concerns about long-term health risks. Even more shocking, people with dementia had five times the amount of microplastics compared to those without the disease.

What does this mean for our health? Let’s break it down.

What Did Scientists Find?

A team of researchers studied liver, kidney, and brain samples from people who had passed away. Using advanced technology, they found:

  • All organs contained microplastics, but the brain had the highest levels—even more than the liver and kidneys, which naturally filter toxins.

  • The most common type of plastic found was polyethylene (PE)—used in plastic bags, food packaging, and containers.

  • The average microplastic concentration in the brain was 4,917 µg per gram of tissue—compared to 433 µg/g in the liver and 404 µg/g in the kidneys.

To put the quantity of microplastic concentration into perspective, imagine you’re filling three jars with sugar to represent the amount of microplastics in different organs:

  • The kidney jar gets a small teaspoon (404 µg/g).

  • The liver jar gets about the same—just over a teaspoon (433 µg/g).

  • But the brain jar? You dump in more than 10 times that amount—nearly half a cup (4,917 µg/g)!

Now picture that sugar as tiny plastic shards instead of something sweet. Your brain—one of the most protected organs in your body—is absorbing these particles at a dramatically higher rate than the liver or kidneys, which are designed to filter out waste.

While other organs process and remove toxins, the brain seems to be holding onto plastic, potentially for life. Scientists still don’t know exactly what that means for long-term health, but they do know the levels are rising quickly, and that’s a cause for concern.

This is the first time scientists have confirmed that microplastics are accumulating in the human brain—a place that should be well-protected from foreign substances.

Why Is This a Big Deal?

Plastic doesn’t belong in our bodies, let alone inside our brains! Scientists are especially worried because:

Microplastics in the brain may contribute to neurological diseases. In people diagnosed with dementia, microplastic levels were over 26,000 µg per gram of brain tissue—more than five times higher than in non-dementia cases. These tiny plastics were found inside blood vessel walls and immune cells, suggesting they might be affecting brain function.

Microplastics can bypass the brain’s defense system. The blood-brain barrier normally protects the brain from harmful substances. This study suggests nanoplastics (as small as 100–200 nanometers) may be slipping through, raising concerns about how they could impact brain health over time.

While scientists haven’t proven that microplastics cause diseases like dementia, the fact that they are accumulating in the brain demands more research.

How Do Microplastics Get into Our Bodies?

You may not realize it, but we consume and inhale plastic particles every day. Here’s how they might be reaching our brains:

  • Breathing in tiny plastic particles from dust, air pollution, and synthetic fabrics.

  • Eating plastic-contaminated food—studies have found microplastics in seafood, salt, fruits, and vegetables.

  • Drinking bottled water, which contains nearly double the amount of microplastics as tap water.

  • Absorption through the bloodstream—scientists believe that some nanoplastics are small enough to pass through protective barriers in our bodies.

Once inside, these plastics don’t just disappear. They may stay trapped in organs like the liver, kidneys, and brain for years.

Has This Problem Gotten Worse?

Yes—dramatically. Scientists compared brain samples from 2016 and 2024 and found that:

  • Microplastic levels in the brain have increased by nearly 50% in just 8 years.

  • Similar increases were found in the liver and kidney, suggesting we are all being exposed to more plastic than ever before.

  • Older brain samples (1997–2013) contained far fewer microplastics than recent ones, proving this is a rapidly growing problem.

With plastic production and pollution continuing to rise, scientists predict that microplastic exposure will only get worse unless major changes are made.

What Can We Do About It?

While the full health effects of microplastics are still unknown, reducing exposure is a smart move. Here’s how:

  • Use fewer plastics: Switch to reusable bags, glass or metal water bottles, and cloth grocery bags.

  • Filter your water: Some high-quality filters can remove microplastics from drinking water.

  • Limit processed foods: Fresh, whole foods are less likely to contain microplastics than packaged and processed foods.

  • Ventilate your home: Indoor air contains plastic particles from synthetic fabrics and household dust—keeping air clean can reduce inhalation.

  • Support policies to reduce plastic pollution: Push for laws that limit plastic waste and promote better recycling solutions.

Summing Up

Microplastics are inside our brains, and their levels are rising at an alarming rate. Scientists don’t yet know the full impact on human health, but the findings from this study suggest a need for urgent action. While research continues, the best thing we can do is reduce plastic exposure and push for solutions to stop plastic pollution at its source.

The next time you drink from a plastic bottle or open a plastic-wrapped snack, remember—some of that plastic may never leave your body.

Would you like to see a future where our brains stay plastic-free? At activist360, we sure would!

Nihart, A. J., Garcia, M. A., El Hayek, E., Liu, R., Olewine, M., Kingston, J. D., Castillo, E. F., Gullapalli, R. R., Howard, T., Bleske, B., Scott, J., Gonzalez-Estrella, J., Gross, J. M., Spilde, M., Adolphi, N. L., Gallego, D. F., Jarrell, H. S., Dvorscak, G., Zuluaga-Ruiz, M. E., … & Campen, M. J. (2024). Bioaccumulation of microplastics in decedent human brains. Nature Medicine. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-024-03453-1?error=cookies_not_supported&code=79978c49-7500-4963-807e-3de1d60b6782