Critical nutrients such as protein, iron and zinc in food crops could reduce significantly by 2050 due to climate change and rising carbon dioxide level, a new study has revealed. A report based on a study by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) has said that over the next 30 years, climate change and increasing carbon dioxide (CO2) levels can impact the presence of nutrients in crops such as rice, maize, barley, potatoes, soybeans, and several vegetables. In South Asia, iron and zinc availability is projected to be even below recommended levels,” it said. The study finds that wheat, rice, maize, barley, potatoes, soybeans, and vegetables are all projected to suffer nutrient loss of about three per cent on average by 2050 due to elevated carbon dioxide concentration. “Nutrient reductions are projected to be particularly severe in South and West Asia, Africa south of the Sahara, North Africa, and the former Soviet Union — regions largely comprised of low and middle-income countries where levels of under-nutrition are generally higher,” the study said.

Source: The North Africa Journal July 19, 2019 15:45 UTC