Climate change could reduce agricultural productivity

What is it about?

We show that changes in temperature and precipitation in specific regions of the United States are statistically linked to increases and decreases in the nation's total agricultural productivity. We examine the projected impacts of climate change on these regions, and show that if these links continue in the future, US agricultural productivity is likely to drop below 1980s levels by 2050.

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Why is it important?

The remarkable growth in US agricultural productivity over the last 60 years has dramatically improved the availability and affordability of food and fiber both in the U.S. and abroad. We show that climate change may significantly impact this growth, suggesting that substantial adaptation will be required merely to maintain the accustomed rate of productivity growth.