Impact of Climate Change on Wheat Yields in Australia

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the impact of climate change on wheat yields in Australia. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Research on climate change's impact on wheat yields in Australia reveals significant challenges: Rising temperatures reduce yields by accelerating crop maturation (Thompson, 2019). Variability in precipitation and extreme weather further destabilize yields (Foster & Ryan, 2020). While increased CO2 can enhance growth, it also worsens outcomes under heat and drought (Lee & Kumar, 2021). Regional differences necessitate tailored adaptation strategies (Patel, 2022). Advanced technologies like AI offer potential for adapting cultivation practices to changing conditions (Zhang, 2024). Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Environmental determinism, resource dependence theory & ecological modernization theory may be used to anchor future studies on analyze the impact of climate change on wheat yields in Australia. Training programs and technical support should also be increased to ensure farmers can effectively utilize these advanced technologies. Government policies should include increased investment in agricultural research, particularly in the development of new wheat varieties that are resilient to extreme weather conditions.