Sustaining Crops, Securing Futures: A Lifecycle and Regional Analysis of Climate Change Impacts on Food Systems
摘要
Climate change is an escalating threat to global food security, driving up temperatures, altering rainfall patterns, and intensifying extreme weather events. This study offers a comprehensive assessment by integrating Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) with advanced climate modeling to evaluate the impacts of climate variables on each stage of the food production cycle—from agriculture to consumption and waste management. Utilizing high-resolution climate data from global models and agricultural statistics from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the analysis reveals significant vulnerabilities, including a projected 7% reduction in maize yields per 1 °C temperature increase and a 20% rise in water usage needed for irrigation in arid regions. Additionally, greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture are anticipated to increase by 15–25% by 2050 under high-emission scenarios, underscoring the urgency for sustainable interventions. Key points in the food lifecycle—such as production and processing—are identified where eco-friendly farming practices and renewable energy integration could mitigate adverse impacts. The study’s findings offer actionable insights for policymakers, agricultural practitioners, and regional planners, especially in climate-sensitive regions, by emphasizing the necessity of tailored adaptation strategies that enhance food system resilience. Beyond immediate applications in agriculture, this research has broader implications for global environmental policy and food security frameworks. By advocating for structured approaches to sustaining food systems in a warming world, this study establishes a foundation for future LCA research to encompass a wider range of environmental impacts, offering a comprehensive roadmap for resilience in the face of climate change.