Microorganisms in Maintaining Food and Energy Security in a World of Shifting Climatic Conditions

Abstract

Over the past few decades, science and technology has made great advancement to get familiar with the impact of climate change in different aspects of life worldwide. But still, climate change is one of the major concerns posing a threat to food and energy security. The present chapter discusses the influence of changing climatic conditions on food and energy security and how microbes can be used in the amelioration of stress induced by changing climate. In recent years, studies have shown that increased concentration of greenhouse gases is the main cause of climate change; therefore, it becomes necessary to decrease their concentration in the atmosphere, though shift in energy structure from finite sources to natural renewable sources might help. Therefore, use of fossil fuels must be significantly reduced to balance structural shifts improving energy self-sufficiency and enhancing energy security. The change in climate impedes crop, livestock and fisheries production and also increases the prevalence of pests in agricultural fields. The use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture not only influences environment negatively but hampers food security and energy structure of the ecosystem. However, the use of beneficial microorganisms for amelioration of stresses holds importance nowadays, especially with respect to changing climate and usage of chemicals in agricultural soils. The beneficial microorganisms can be the most promising approach for safe management practices in agriculture. Therefore, in the present scenario of shifting climatic conditions, food and energy security can be maintained by utilizing soil microbial diversity that will ultimately increase the economy by limiting food and energy security risks.