Climate Change Can Make Farming Dangerous
Among the dangers of climate change is that it sharply changes what works for successful farming. Among these dangers is that insects that damage crops have spread to wider areas geographically. The seasons during which they are active can also be longer.
Farmers often combat these insects using insecticides, which can be harmful to human health. “Besides, increasing pest controls means increased use of pesticides, which can harm farmers’ health. In the cocoa industry, every year 44% of farmers are poisoned by pesticides, with chocolate consumers also at risk,” according to Earth.org
Corn is another crop that carries this risk. Another is bananas.
The challenge for the farmers is that most are extremely poor. There is no alternative employment for them where they are. The chance of migration elsewhere is minimal.
100 Degree Temperatures
There are other dangers. Among them is extreme heat. Some of the crops mentioned are grown in areas where daytime temperatures are routinely 100 degrees F and humidity is high. In some cases, daytime temperatures can be even hotter.
Climate change poses numerous challenges to human health. Most are based on extreme heat. Add pesticides to the list.
Sponsor
Find a Vetted Financial Advisor
- Finding a fiduciary financial advisor doesn't have to be hard. SmartAsset's free tool matches you with up to 3 financial advisors that serve your area in 5 minutes.
- Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests. Get on the path toward achieving your financial goals!
More from ClimateCrisis 247
- US Cities Projected To Become Deserts in 50 years
- U.S. Leads The World in Data Center Electricity Use By Far
- Drone Delivery Drives Down Pollution
- Wildfires Race Across The West As Three Firefighters Die
