The Changing Global Environment and World Crop Production

Abstract

Summary During a period of a presumed world food crisis, the importance of climate and weather, and the rising level of atmospheric carbon dioxide are highlighted as important changes in the global environment. There is a dual and simultaneous effect of the rising level of atmospheric carbon dioxide on first, global warming and second, on the enhancement of crop productivity as reflected by an increased photosynthetic capacity, greater water use efficiency and alleviation of other crop stresses. Climate variability has a greater impact on agricultural productivity than does climate change. The rising level of atmospheric carbon dioxide is a universally free subsidy, gaining in magnitude with time, on which all can reckon when it comes to crop productivity.