Rapid increase in temperatures threaten global crop yields, says new research; 2003 Euro heat wave temps will be the average in 2100

Researchers at the University of Washington will publish an article in this week’s issue of Science magazine, showing that rapid increases in global temperature will have a negative impact of crop yields in developing countries. The researchers pointed to the 2003 summer heat wave in Western Europe, that killed 52,000 people and reduced crop yields by 33 percent, as a model of future results. The researchers pointed out that the summer mean temperatures for 2100 will be equivalent to the mean temperatures during the 2003 heat wave. They warn that water supplies will also be threatened, and the equatorial belt is most at risk due to poverty and fast population growth.

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