Agricultural Pollution-Driven Climate Change: Implications for Food Production and Security

Abstract

Agricultural pollution significantly contributes to climate change, which in turn impacts food production and security. Key pollutants include greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, which are emitted through farming activities such as livestock raising, fertilizer application, and soil management. These emissions speed up global warming, leading to changes in rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, and more frequent extreme weather events, all of which harm crop yields and food supplies. The effect on food security is severe, as climate change can reduce crop productivity and increase food price volatility. This issue is especially critical for major crops like wheat, rice, maize, and soybeans, which are highly sensitive to temperature changes and ozone pollution. Furthermore, intensive farming deteriorates soil health and ecosystem services, further jeopardizing long-term food security. Implementing adaptation strategies is essential to mitigate these impacts. Such approaches include adopting climate-smart farming techniques, improving crop varieties, and enhancing soil fertility through integrated management. Transitioning to organic farming and reducing chemical fertilizer use can also lower greenhouse gas emissions and increase resilience to climate change. Achieving successful adaptation requires coordinated efforts from policymakers, researchers, and farmers to sustain food production and security in the face of ongoing climate challenges.