ARS | Publication request: Climate change, carbon dioxide, and global crop production: Adaptation to uncertainty

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: May 1, 2011
Publication Date: December 1, 2011
Citation: Ziska, L.H. 2011. Climate change, carbon dioxide and global crop production: Food security and uncertainty. In: Dinar, A., Mendelsohn, R., editors. Handbook on Climate Change and Agriculture. Cheltenham, United Kingdom: Edward Elgar Publishing. p. 9-31.

Technical Abstract: Documented and projected changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide are likely to alter agricultural productivity in two ways: directly, by supplying additional carbon for photosynthesis and growth, and indirectly by altering climate, specifically surface temperatures and precipitation. In this overview on the impact of carbon dioxide and climate change in agriculture, I will present data from a number of sources that document the likely changes in temperature, temperature and carbon dioxide and water on crop quality and production, and identify other biological interactions with pests, weeds and diseases. In addition, I will discuss adaptation strategies, focusing on exploiting genetic and intra-specific variability within plant germplasm as a possible means to maintain agricultural production in the future. This information will be of interest to agronomists, land managers and policy makers.