Response of the Northeast China grain market to climate change based on the gravity model approach

Abstract

Scientific evidence has revealed that climate change negatively affects agricultural crop production both regionally and globally. Previous studies have indicated that the role of climate change is significant in some parts of China. Thus, assessing the impact of the future climate on the grain market is vital for ensuring regional and national food security. In this study, regional climate model (RCM 4.5 and 8.5) simulations were employed to investigate the role of future climate change on a major grain-producing market in China (Northeast China). For this purpose, historical (2004–2017) and future (2020–2076) data were applied in the gravity model to examine the effects of climate change on the Northeast China grain market. The results revealed that the maximum temperature is a crucial climate factor that significantly affects the grain market. The analysis revealed that precipitation was positively related and that the temperature was significantly negatively related to domestic consumption and exports of rice, maize, and soybean. Moreover, the analysis of the RCM (4.5 and 8.5) simulations revealed a negative contribution of the maximum temperature to domestic consumption and export levels. Overall, the analysis enhances our understanding of the impacts of climate change on the Northeast China grain market.