The world in which we live becomes different every year - less stable and more conflict. Floods, droughts, fires and other extreme weather events are starting to occur more and more frequently - from year to year. In this regard, scientists predict that we will encounter one more and, perhaps, the most unpleasant of all currently known problems. It turns out that already now, climatic changes lead to a decrease in the amount of certain types of food. This does not mean at all that general purchases are approaching at an accelerated pace, but it will definitely not be superfluous to familiarize yourself with our list.
Apples
It would seem that there is no more universal and widespread fruit. If mango is unlikely to decorate every other dining table, then apples can easily do it. However, already in 2011, scientists published a study that showed that fruit and walnut trees, which need a full winter period to bring economic benefits, may be negatively affected by global warming. Farmers are now concerned about cultivating new varieties that require a shorter winter. And such apples will certainly differ in taste from those already familiar to us.
Japanese scientists have also found that the rise in temperature on the planet leads to earlier and faster ripening of apples, which, in turn, makes them softer and sweeter. “If you tried an apple grown 30 years ago and an apple grown very recently, you would feel a significant difference,” comments Toshihiko Sigiura, lead author of the study.
Seafood
Ocean acidification is one of the most pressing problems of our time. This is due to the fact that water reacts with a large amount of carbon dioxide, which is released into the atmosphere on an unmeasured scale as a result of human activity. Violation of the alkaline index has a critical impact on the life of underwater organisms. Molluscs, lobsters, crabs, shrimps, corals cannot form their shells and exoskeletons based on calcium, and scientists are already predicting a sad future for pink salmon, the most common species of Pacific salmon. Higher temperatures, the researchers said, would also increase the toxicity of some pesticides and industrial waste. All in all, marine life and seafood menus will be tough in the coming decades.
Chocolate
The world has become too complex and stressful, so giving up chocolate will be a huge loss for us and our levels of serotonin, the hormone of happiness (read also: "10 facts about chocolate that you will love"). However, scientists argue that such a nuisance may well happen as early as 2030, when the optimum altitude for growing and producing cocoa will be exceeded - again, due to climate change. Unfortunately, this will negatively affect not only the consumers of chocolate, but also the producers of the sacred cocoa beans. For many farmers in Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire, cocoa beans are, in fact, the easiest and fastest way to find money to pay for tuition or medical care.
Wine
If we exceed the two percent rise in temperature at the Earth's surface, winemaking will become a nostalgic word from the past. Grapes are very sensitive to changes in the environment, and given the current climate change, the amount of revenue in winemaking can vary up to 32%. Great indicator, isn't it? Large-scale changes are already being observed in France, the heart of wine production.
“Extreme temperatures are becoming commonplace in the country's main wine regions. Heavy rain and hailstorms often follow the heat of the summer and dry spells. Winter and night temperatures become so mild that plants simply cannot rest. The problem is getting really serious,”comments Ulrich Fichtner of Der Spiegel.
French fries
The harsh consequences of climate change will overtake fast food lovers. Peru, home to hundreds of potato varieties, is facing a real crisis in the production of the world's favorite product. Rising temperatures on the surface of the earth have forced farmers to relocate their production to the highlands. “But even the Andes don't grow forever,” comments Rene Gomez, curator of the germplasm bank CIP. "Our calculations show that in 40 years there will be no place to grow potatoes in the highlands of Peru."
And it's not just about French fries. Due to the climate, we can also lose products such as chips, mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, potato pancakes (see also: "Gourmet: recipes from potatoes"). Many countries will lose a good half of their national dishes, which include potatoes. Globally, it ranks as the third most important food crop after rice and wheat. And this is definitely a reason to think about the damage we cause to nature, and with it to ourselves.
Photo: Getty Images
Related materials
- Addictive foods
- Sun Diet: Foods That Protect Against UV Radiation
- Top 4 “dangerous” food combinations that aren't actually dangerous
- Everything you need to know about Lady Gaga's beauty brand