How Climate Change is Changing Our Food

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

How Climate Change Is Affecting Your Favorite Healthy Food Choices

Close-up of red apples in a basket.
Close-up of red apples in a basket. The apples Have natural variations in color and texture, showcasing a mix of reddish hues and green patches. Some of the apples have visible blemishes, reflecting their organic and unprocessed state. The lighting is soft and warm, highlighting the rustic and fresh appeal of the apples. Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash.

Did you know that the apples you enjoy might soon face serious challenges because of rising temperatures?

Apples, one of the most beloved and healthiest snacks, are under threat. As climate change reshapes weather patterns, it’s also impacting how—and where—our food grows. These changes affect not just apples but many of the healthy foods we rely on every day. Understanding this issue is crucial for anyone who cares about their health and the environment. Let’s dive into how climate change is affecting your food.

The Science Behind the Problem

How Climate Change Impacts Agriculture

Climate change is causing shifts in temperatures, rainfall, and weather patterns worldwide. For agriculture, this means disrupted growing cycles, extreme heat, and unpredictable frosts—all of which create challenges for crops. Perennial crops like apples are particularly vulnerable because their growth depends on consistent weather conditions year-round.

Apples as a Case Study

Apples provide a clear example of how climate change affects food production. Scientists have identified six key climate factors that influence apple growth, including:

  • Extreme Heat Days: Days when temperatures exceed 93°F can cause sunburn on apple skins, reducing their quality.

  • Warm Nights: Nighttime temperatures above 59°F can prevent apples from developing their rich red color, making them less appealing to consumers.

  • Reduced Chill Portions: Apples need cold periods during winter to rest and prepare for spring growth. Warmer winters mean fewer of these essential chill hours.

  • Earlier Frost-Free Days: While this might sound good, it can disrupt the natural bloom cycle, increasing the risk of frost damage later.

Yakima County in Washington, one of the leading apple-producing regions in the U.S., has seen harmful trends in five of these six metrics. These changes reduce apple yield, size, color, and taste—qualities that make apples a staple in healthy diets.

Why It Matters to You

Health Implications

Changes in food production can directly impact your diet. When apples face extreme heat or warm nights, they may lose their flavor and nutritional value. Reduced availability of high-quality apples could make healthy eating more expensive or harder to achieve.

Environmental Concerns

When crops like apples struggle, farmers must use more resources to maintain production. This includes water for cooling trees during heatwaves or energy to run protective equipment. These added measures can increase the carbon footprint of growing food, contributing further to climate change—a cycle that’s tough to break.

Actions Being Taken

Adaptation by Farmers

Farmers are already finding ways to adapt. Here are some strategies being used:

  • Netting: Covers are placed over apple orchards to protect fruit from sunburn.

  • Evaporative Cooling: Spraying water on trees helps lower their temperature during heatwaves.

  • Crop Diversification: Planting heat-resistant apple varieties or other crops reduces risk.

Scientific Research and Innovation

Researchers are also stepping in. A $6.75 million USDA-funded project is helping farmers mitigate extreme climate events. This initiative includes studying how to adapt apples and pears to new growing conditions across the U.S., starting with Washington State. Scientists are working to find long-term solutions that keep crops productive despite challenging conditions.

How You Can Help

  • Support Sustainable Practices: When you buy apples and other produce, look for labels that indicate sustainable farming practices. Supporting local farmers who prioritize environmentally friendly methods can make a big difference.

  • Reduce Food Waste: Every piece of wasted food represents water, energy, and labor lost. By planning meals carefully and storing apples properly, you can reduce waste and lessen the strain on farmers already coping with climate challenges.

  • Advocate for Change: You don’t have to be a farmer to make a difference. Get involved in climate-friendly initiatives or share this information with others. Raising awareness about how climate change affects food can inspire collective action and support for sustainable practices.

Summing Up

Climate change is reshaping how and where our food is grown, with apples as just one example of a crop under threat. The impacts go beyond the farm, influencing your health, your wallet, and the environment. But there’s hope—farmers, scientists, and consumers can work together to protect our environment and food supply.


Source: Preston, S., Rajagopalan, K., Yourek, M., Kalcsits, L., & Singh, D. (2024). Changing climate risks for high-value tree fruit production across the United States. Environmental Research Letters, 19(12), 124092.

Reject Regression: Advocate for Bold Climate Action Against Project 2025’s Harmful Proposals

Warning: Project 2025 accelerates climate change! Vote Biden. Vote Blue.
Warning: Project 2025 accelerates climate change! Reject Trump, Reject Project 2025. Vote Biden. Vote Blue.


As the world grapples with the escalating impacts of climate change, urgent and decisive action is needed. However, Project 2025 proposes reforms that significantly undermine critical environmental protections and sustainable development efforts. These reforms threaten to derail progress on combating climate change, protecting public health, and ensuring environmental sustainability. These policies are regressive and dangerous. Reject Trump, Reject Project 2025. Vote Biden. Vote Blue.

Energy Policy: Prioritizing Renewable Energy for a Sustainable Future

The proposed energy policy in Project 2025 advocates for an “all of the above” approach, emphasizing the continued use of fossil fuels while criticizing renewable energy initiatives. This perspective overlooks the urgent need to transition to cleaner energy sources to combat climate change. Reject Trump, Reject Project 2025.

Renewable energy and sustainability are imperative for ensuring long-term energy security. Prioritizing clean energy technologies like wind, solar, and advanced nuclear power can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create jobs, and enhance energy independence. Policies should support renewable energy subsidies and climate initiatives that drive innovation and reduce our carbon footprint.

According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), renewable energy could, and should, account for 90% of the power sector’s decarbonization by 2050, creating millions of jobs and enhancing energy independence. Policies should support renewable energy subsidies, research and development in clean technologies, and the implementation of carbon pricing mechanisms to incentivize reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

Environmental Protection: Strengthening the EPA’s Role

Project 2025 aims to eliminate climate change initiatives within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), criticizing them as economically burdensome. This perspective ignores the critical role that climate policies play in safeguarding public health and the environment. Reject Trump, Reject Project 2025.

Climate change initiatives are vital for long-term environmental sustainability. The EPA’s focus on renewable energy and stringent air quality standards ensures cleaner air, reduces health risks, and mitigates the impacts of climate change. Rather than eliminating these initiatives, we should strengthen the EPA’s capacity to enforce science-based regulations that protect both the environment and public health.

Health and Climate Change: Integrating Environmental Considerations

Project 2025 suggested for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) largely ignore the connections between public health and climate change. This oversight will result in dangerously inadequate preparation and response to health crises worsened by climate conditions. Reject Trump, Reject Project 2025.

Public health policies need to incorporate the impacts of climate change, which include increased heat-related illnesses, respiratory issues from air pollution, and the spread of climate-sensitive diseases. A robust public health system that addresses these challenges is crucial for building resilient communities. Policies should promote environmental health and prepare for the health impacts of a changing climate.

Agriculture and Water: Sustainable Practices for Long-Term Resilience

Project 2025 will downplay agricultural and water policies, focusing on deregulation and short-term economic gains. This approach leads to accelerated environmental degradation and resource depletion. Reject Trump, Reject Project 2025.

Sustainable agriculture and water management practices are essential for long-term resilience and our health! Policies should support conservation programs, promote water-efficient technologies, and encourage sustainable farming practices. Investing in sustainable agriculture ensures food security, protects natural resources, and mitigates the impacts of climate change on our ecosystems.

Housing and Urban Development: Building Green Communities

Project 2025 reverses climate change initiatives within the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) threatening to halt progress on sustainable urban development. Ignoring climate considerations in housing policies leads to higher energy costs and increased emissions. Reject Trump, Reject Project 2025.

Climate change initiatives in housing are crucial for promoting energy-efficient buildings and sustainable urban planning. Policies should incentivize green construction, support renewable energy integration, and ensure that urban development is resilient to climate impacts. Sustainable housing reduces energy costs, lowers emissions, and improves the quality of life in communities.

Summing Up

Project 2025 presents a regressive approach to climate policy, favoring short-term economic gains for a few over long-term sustainability. This perspective is not only shortsighted but also dangerous, as it undermines efforts to combat climate change and protect public health and the environment. Reject Trump, Reject Project 2025.

We must advocate for policies that prioritize renewable energy, strengthen environmental protections, integrate climate considerations into public health, promote sustainable agriculture, and build green communities. By embracing a comprehensive approach to climate action, we can ensure a sustainable and resilient future for generations to come. 

Our planet is at a critical juncture. We must reject proposals that roll back environmental progress and instead champion policies that foster innovation, equity, and sustainability. The climate crisis demands bold and immediate action. By committing to protecting our environment and securing a healthy, prosperous future for all, we can rise to the challenge and create a legacy of resilience and sustainability.

Vote Biden. Vote Blue. 

Vote Biden. Vote Blue. They champion comprehensive and forward-thinking climate policies which are crucial for our future, health, and sustainability of our children and future generations. Reject Trump, Reject Project 2025.