30 Foods that could disappear because of climate change

Last Updated on 2021/08/28

Foods that could disappear because of climate change

When it comes to climate change, many people think more about climatic and atmospheric events, linked to the increase and decrease in our planet’s temperatures and possible natural disasters. Here is a list of foods that could disappear because of climate change.

Some envision apocalyptic cinematic scenarios, but other consequences of climate change are more subtle, which may not immediately appear catastrophic, instead might have a huge impact on the population from a physical and mental health point of view. For years, a part of the global population has been attentive to the studies of experts and scientists, who take into account in detail the data on the long-term impact on the Earth’s fauna and flora. Temperature changes will inevitably affect our daily life, as well as our food attitudes. In the last thirty years, many eating habits have spread globally since the time of the Colombian exchange have been consolidated. Eating is a necessity, but in the modern age, it has become a pleasure, a choice, a lifestyle. Frequent variations and extreme temperatures could day after day force us to change our tastes in the field of food.

Many foods that are now on the tables all over the world shouldn’t be taken for granted. Just as Fry, the protagonist of Futurama, bought the last pack of anchovies available on earth (since they were extinct) at an insane price, so we may no longer be able to enjoy many of our favorite foods, due to a variety of climate-related reasons.

Climate change, drought, floods, and plant diseases are putting food from around the world at risk. Many common foods could be in danger of extinction and disappearance. Fortunately, we can prevent the worsening of climate change. We are still in time to not see the bottom of the pantry and not open an empty fridge. Climate change and agriculture are interrelated processes, both of which take place on a global scale. Climate change is tasteless but it could be very painful. So it’s good to remember that these are the foods that could from scarce and expensive become no longer available.

Foods That Might Disappear If Temperatures Keep Rising

Which crops will be affected by climate change? How does climate change affect our food habits? How does global warming affect food prices? How is global warming affecting food? Can fruit become extinct?

Avocado

Are avocados in danger of going extinct? Avocado rich in vitamins and antioxidants is an excellent source of calcium, potassium, and zinc. It provides significant amounts of fiber and monounsaturated fats with a strong presence of omega 9 oleic acid. The media have contributed to increasing its global popularity by highlighting its benefits. Avocados have an uncertain future, as the available resources will not be able to sustain the growing global demand. Large avocado cultivated areas are also increasingly suffering from severe drought. More than 300 liters of water are required, to produce half a kilo of avocado, which makes this product more and more difficult to grow as demand increases. As consumption is growing everywhere, more countries have invested heavily in avocado production. China has around 80 years of history in introducing and experimenting with avocados. In 2018, its production was placed in the eleventh position worldwide.

Bananas

Bananas are a good source of potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B6. They have remineralizing and energetic properties, and the body uses all the substances to stay healthy. They are one of the most popular fruits in the world. Bananas making their way, from breakfast, through smoothies, desserts, snacks up to accompanying the various meals and moments of the day. The Cavendish species, the commonly known one, cultivated with a high commercial number is hit by a deadly fungal infection (Fusarium) that stains the soil and leads to “Panama disease”, this causes the bananas to blacken and deteriorate from the inside. The disease is spreading throughout Africa and Asia. Colombia, whose economy is heavily dependent on banana production, declared a national state of emergency in 2019. Furthermore, in a recent University of Exeter study, bananas could be affected by adverse weather conditions in 10 countries by 2050. Yields have increased since 1961 thanks to higher temperatures and better production methods, but continuing global warming and frequent floods and droughts threaten the stability of global production not only in South America but also in Asia by threatening China, which in recent years has placed itself between second and third place among the largest producers after India and the Philippines.

Beer

Beer contains B vitamins, especially vitamins B6 and B9, potassium, and sodium. It has energy power due to dextrins and protein substances present in its compound. Drinking beer in moderation could improve digestion. Throughout the planet earth, its consumption is associated with moments of social aggregation. Beer is already a victim of the changing climate, and many breweries are finding it increasingly difficult to ensure stable water supplies. A 2010 report commissioned by the Natural Resources Defense Council shows that about a third of US counties will have difficulties in accessing freshwater between 2030 and 2050 due to global warming. Additionally, some specialty hops used by craft brewers have already become more difficult to source, as warm winters are producing earlier and smaller harvests. China ranks eleventh in export, while it was the leading brewing country in terms of production volume in 2019.

Blueberries

Blueberries are considered to be natural antioxidants. They contain vitamins, in particular C, A, E, and group B. including folic acid, a good amount of mineral salts, especially potassium. Blueberries have anti-inflammatory properties, they are an important cure for the entire cardiovascular system. Blueberries are dependent on the pollination of insects, especially bees, this correlation put them in a position of risk of extinction. In addition to the factors of climate change, the use of pesticides adds more danger to their cultivation. The IBO, a global organization that brings together blueberry leaders from around the world, saw plenty of room for growth in China during its latest summit in 2017.

Broccoli

Broccoli is a precious reserve of vitamins and mineral salts. They are a good source of iron, potassium, calcium, selenium, and magnesium, as well as vitamins A, C, E, K, and a good range of B vitamins, including folic acid. Broccoli is a good carb high in fiber, which aids in digestion and curbs overeating, maintains low blood sugar, and helps to protect blood vessels from damage. They are suitable and perfect in all dietary regimes, from a growing child, athletes, or the elderly. Their growth depends on pollination and therefore also on honey bees. Their rate of decline is corresponding to a mass extinction of bees. According to a report from Ottawa University, the crop has already been affected by inadequate pollination and reduced diversity of pollinators. China ranks first among broccoli producers, while it’s the second country in the world, after India for broccoli per capita consumption.

Cacao

Is chocolate going extinct? Cacao and dark chocolate, rich in flavonoids, fight free radicals and high plasma levels of cholesterol. The flavonoids protect the arteries from damage from atherosclerosis and prevent cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke. Cacao contains theobromine, a natural substance, which stimulates the central nervous system. Theobromine is a common ingredient in some energy supplements. Cacao and dark chocolate are classified among the healthiest foods, always considering moderate and limited daily consumption. They are among the foods most consumed in the vast part of the developed countries of the world. For some, it seems impossible to live without chocolate, and it’s not just the youngest inhabitants of planet Earth who think so. Alas, this sad problem could emerge if the consequences of climate change are not considered. The cacao plant is notoriously sensitive to environmental changes, which explains why it can be found mainly in areas close to the Equator. The increase in temperatures, the alteration of rainfall, humidity, and the sun influence its good growth. Its cultivation is becoming more and more difficult. A report from the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) analyzed plantations in Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire, the world’s two largest cacao producers, and its study concluded that if temperatures were to rise by 2.3 ° C by 2050, land suitable for cacao production, could be reduced by more than 50%. In 2020 China entered twelfth place among the largest consumers of chocolate.

Cereals

Cereals (Barley, Corn, Oats, Kamut, Millet, Rice, Rye, Spelled, Teff, Wheat,) have high starch content which represents a “slow-release” energy source, which can therefore be used more gradually over time. In whole grains, low lipid contents are found. The quality of fats is excellent, thanks to the high quantities of essential molecules such as alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid (omega 3 and omega 6). They are also excellent sources of dietary fiber. Cereals are consumed in grains, in the form of flour, semolina, flakes, porridge, pasta, vegetable drinks, and many derivatives and processed products. The cereals contain starch and the seed germ contains lipids in variable proportions that allow the extraction of vegetable oil. They are an essential part of human and animal nutrition and global demand for maize, rice, and wheat is projected to increase by 33% by 2050. Nature Climate Change in 2016 estimates that wheat, maize, and rice production collectively represent the crops most vital to humans around the world, but are at high risk of extinction.

Corn

Is corn going extinct? Water shortages and warmer temperatures also put corn at risk: in fact, a global rise in temperatures of just 1 ° C would slow the growth rate by 7%. The impact of an outage in corn production would extend far beyond the products section of the supermarket food chain. A large amount of corn is in fact used to feed livestock, so a lower yield of corn could affect the meat market. Global corn production has already dropped nearly 4% from what it would have been in the climate hadn’t warmed. China ranks second in corn consumption and the second-largest corn-producing country in the world.

Rice

Rice requires very specific conditions to thrive. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) warns of the effects of rising temperatures. The scarce resources for the sustainability of rice cultivation could see the land’s profitability decreased by more than 50%. This reduction could lead to significant food shortages around the world. China is the world’s largest producer of rice, consumes more rice than any other country, and in 2019 it ranked sixth in world exports. The crop grows mainly in provinces such as Jiangsu, Anhui, Hubei, and Sichuan along the Yangtze River, where nearly 95% of China’s rice is grown using traditional methods. Due to several factors including climate change, labor shortages, and the use of chemicals and fertilizers, the Chinese government is looking for more sustainable and productive methods for growing rice. About 65% of the Chinese population consumes rice as a staple food.

Wheat

Durum wheat comes from a plant that prefers moderate temperatures and does not grow well due to too much (or too little) rain. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, a study indicated that land under cultivation with wheat could become obsolete due to unpredictable weather conditions, and durum wheat yields in Italy could drastically decline by 2020 as happened in the United States. All the main productions of durum wheat pasta could therefore be affected. The main wheat-producing countries at the moment are the United States, China, India, and France. China is one of the countries with the largest volumes of wheat consumption in 2019 and is also the top wheat-producing country in the world.

Coffee

Does coffee disappear? Coffee facilitates digestion, uses fats for energy purposes, has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but high consumption is not recommended due to the side effects and possible repercussions for the human health of caffeine on the body. It is considered a morning stimulant, but also a drink that represents a lifestyle, which is why various academies have been established around the world to teach “the Art of coffee tasting”. According to a report by The Climate Institute of Australia, if action is not taken to reduce emissions, climate change could cut the global area suitable for coffee production by up to 50% by 2050. In a report from the IPCC, the organism has warned of the urgent need to tackle the management of soil erosion, which occurs at a faster rate, threatening the irreversible loss of the ecosystem. Coffee plantations around the world are facing a higher incidence of Hemileia vastatrix fungi, called coffee rust, and invasive species due to the higher temperatures. Wild mountain coffee plants, on the other hand, die because they require natural shade and a cooler temperature range. Continued global demand and more coffee plantations around the world imply further deforestation, logging, and the use of fertilizers. Production prices will soon be a major problem that will affect consumers. Climate change will play a more important role in influencing the quality and integrity of the coffee. If measures are not taken to reduce CO2 emissions, coffee could be completely extinct by 2080. In 2020, China is the first consumer in the world and ranks thirteenth among the largest producers and exporters of coffee.

Fish and Sea Food

The impact of climate change has repercussions on the ocean where CO2 levels are subject to variation and increase, this involves the acidification of the waters, which could therefore threaten different species of living marine beings. A study also reports another problem, namely that marine creatures are very slow in adapting to acidification, this entails the risk of a collapse of the species. China exported the highest dollar value of frozen fish during 2019.

Cod

Cod stands out for the vitamin presence of niacin, while as regards minerals, the levels of potassium, phosphorus, iodine, and iron are appreciable. The proteins are very rich in essential amino acids, and the fatty acids have a predominantly polyunsaturated nature of omega 3 EPA and DHA. This fish species has suffered from overfishing for decades. The demand is huge, partly due to consumption in the form of fish fingers or dishes like fish and chips. The British Marine Conservation Society (MCS) reports on inefficient management. The EU banned fishing in large areas of the Baltic Sea in 2019 to protect stocks.

Seafood

Crustaceans are rich in iron, calcium, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin. Red crustaceans are rich in astaxanthin, a strong antioxidant provitamin A. They contain arginine and creatine. They are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and have an excellent ratio between omega 3 and omega 6 (AGE fatty acids). A study from the University of Gothenburg shows that a temperature increase of only 2 degrees would damage the mussels. The heat could spread bacteria and plankton that produces toxins that would accumulate in the mussels, making them poisonous. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, proteins, cobalamin, B vitamins prevail in Mussels and Molluscs. They have an excellent supply of sodium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, selenium, and iron. Ocean acidification could threaten a whole range of ocean shell creatures such as young oysters and other calcifying organisms that would become less and less robust over time. Some tropical fish and lobsters are moving north in search of cooler habitats, but this migration causes other problems. Lobsters tend to eat whatever they find, and with their relocation, they are putting the native habitats of a myriad of other species at risk. China is among the world’s leading seafood exporters.

Salmon

Salmon has high levels of water-soluble vitamins, contains thiamine, niacin, pyridoxine, and cobalamin, as well as the fat-soluble retinol and equivalents. Salmon has high concentrations of mineral salts: phosphorus and selenium. Contains proteins and peptides which include all essential amino acids, unsaturated lipids of the omega 3 group – docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acid DHA and EPA. The state of risk of salmon is related to the acidity of the oceans. The absorption of CO2 from the air lowers the pH of the water. Limestone skeletal creatures like oysters, mussels, and sea urchins are the first to be affected, as they filter calcium carbonate out of the water and use calcium carbonate minerals to build their skeletons and shells. Their disappearance interrupts the food supply chain for salmon and other fish, which would find themselves fighting for their survival.

Tuna fish

Tuna is a very lean fish, containing a significant amount of high biological value proteins and essential omega 3 fats such as EPA and DHA. Tuna is also rich in water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and retinol. Tuna contains iron. There are three types of tuna: Atlantic, Pacific, and from the Southern Ocean. All three types are in danger of extinction. Since the demand for tuna in the food industry is constantly increasing, many areas authorized for fishing have been overexploited (even illegally) leading to a drastic decrease in the tuna population. If this continues, the species could be lost forever.

Fruit from the Rosaceae family

The fruits produced by trees belonging to the Rosaceae family and the genus prunus are almond, apple, apricot, cherry, pear, peach, and plum. They all originate from the part of northeastern China bordering Russia.

Almonds

Almonds have excellent amounts of dietary fiber, mineral salts, manganese, magnesium, calcium, copper, phosphorus, and zinc. Almonds abound in certain vitamins including riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, and alpha-tocopherol. They offer a good protein intake and have a very strong presence of unsaturated fatty acids. From an energizing snack and an ingredient for desserts, almonds in recent years have become an important ingredient for making healthy drinks. The demand for almonds is constantly increasing, but there are doubts about the sustainability of the cultivation. Large-scale agricultural methods are the cause of the death of many bees due in part to pesticides and parasites, and the pollination of almond trees seems to have become a problem. Hence large-scale cultivation is closely linked and dependent on the very future of honey bees. Hong Kong ranks fourth among countries that exported the highest dollar value of almonds during 2019. China ranks eleventh among world producers.

Apples

green apple — photo: china-underground.com

red apple — photo: china-underground.com

Are apples going extinct? Apples contain moderate concentrations of fiber, stand out for the concentration of ascorbic acid and the levels of potassium are appreciable. They’re recommended in diets where cholesterol levels must be controlled, for intestinal function regularization, and appetite control. They are a juicy and fresh hunger breaker and a precious ingredient in many pastry recipes. Fruit trees, including apple trees, need a certain period of winter cold to produce economically viable crops. Due to climate change, warmer winters could put the apple in serious damage. Teams of international scientists, in their studies, suggest the cultivation of species with lower cooling requirements, clearly having an impact on flavor. A Japanese study from Tsukuba’s National Agriculture and Food Research Organization found that rising temperatures produce fruits earlier, making them softer and sweeter. China alone contributed 46% of the total world production in 2018. It dominates the global consumption of apples and is ranked first for export and production.

Cherries

Cherries are rich in vitamins C and A that contribute to the proper functioning of the immune system. They also contain folic acid, calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and flavonoids, substances that are important for fighting free radicals. They have purifying, detoxifying, diuretic, and antirheumatic properties. Cherries are not only perfect allies for health but also in beauty treatments thanks to the presence of carotenes and mineral salts. Their production requires hours of cold to develop the fruit, without which the trees are less likely to obtain successful pollination. Rising temperatures mean trees may bloom later and produce less fruit. Too cold can also be just as disastrous. A late freeze also results in 90% of the crop loss. In 2018, China ranked twentieth for cherry production, while Hong Kong in 2019 was the second largest export country in the world.

Peaches

Peaches are rich in fiber, mineral salts and help lower cholesterol levels and intestinal regularity. They contain provitamins A and an excellent concentration of potassium. They improve digestion and are valuable for the health of the nervous system. Climate change also threatens these stone fruits, one of the fruits that bring freshness and relief during the summer for young and old. Again the main problem is fluctuating and unpredictable temperatures which can lead to fewer fruits or a change in harvest time. Scientists believe that the scenarios of the recent poor and depleted harvests caused by the early heat and intense cold hits could repeat themselves in the future. Peaches like other stone fruits have been heavily affected by climate change. China ranks first in peach (and nectarine) production, 2018. In the same year, China became the leading peach and nectarine consumer country in the world.

Honey

bees beekeaper yunnan china — photo: china-underground.com

Honey offers a fair concentration of B vitamins, and vitamin C. Honey is rich in nutritional factors and has an antibacterial action. It’s an extremely ductile product: as well as use as a sweetener and anti-inflammatory it’s used for aesthetic body care. The massive decline of honey bees in recent years has endangered the existence of the global food supply. Their disappearance, as well as a problem for pollination, also marks the probable loss of this ancient and historic sweetener. The disappearance of bee colonies has been largely linked to pesticide use and climate change. In 2018, world honey production was led by China with 24% of the world total. China exported the highest dollar value of honey in 2019.

Hot chilies pepper

Eating chilies could extend your life, according to a new study from Cleveland Clinic’s Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute in Cleveland, Ohio. The medical records examined half a million people in different countries from China, Italy, Iran, and the United States. It was found that the risk of mortality from all causes is lowered to 25% thanks to capsaicin. Regular consumption of hot peppers reduces cardiovascular disease, thank to capsaicin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

However, in certain areas of the planet, rising sea levels due to climate change also pose a threat to hot peppers. The shift of plantations could affect the traditional flavor and also the Scoville scale levels (the scale of measurement of the spiciness of a pepper). China has become the world leader in the consumption of hot peppers and the first country in the production of dry hot peppers, while it ranks eighth among exporters.

Leguminosae

The Fabaceae commonly known as legumes are a family of edible plants that include carob, chickpeas, beans, broad beans, lentils, lupins, peanuts, peas, soybeans, tamarinds. Legumes have a high energy value, are rich in macronutrients, mineral salts including iron, potassium, phosphorus, and vitamins, of which thiamine, niacin, folic acid, and biotin. They offer a good protein and lipid intake thanks to the proteins contained in them.

Chickpeas

Chickpeas are rich in vitamins A, B, C, E, K, calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and zinc. They are useful for controlling the level of cholesterol and blood sugar, reducing the risk of diabetes. They are also an excellent diuretic food, favoring the elimination of excess salts in the body. In addition to being nutritious, they positively contribute to structuring a balanced diet, preventing overweight. Chickpeas have contributed to human and animal-related food sustenance in geographical areas that are also quite different from each other. India, the main chickpea producing country in the world, is suffering from rising temperatures and growing drought. The production of chickpeas around the world has been reduced by between 40 and 50% and for this reason chickpea crops resistant to periods of drought are already being studied and being tested. China ranks 22nd among the chickpea producing countries in the world.

Beans

Beans are very nutritious and rich in vitamins A, B, C, and E, they also contain minerals and trace elements, such as potassium, iron, calcium, zinc, and phosphorus. They feed most of the population in Latin America and Africa, they are also appreciated in many traditional European folk recipes. These rich legumes could be at risk by climate change. A CIAT report indicates that higher temperatures affect flowering and seed production in bean vines, reducing yields by up to 25%. Beans are very sensitive to the climate, they need low temperatures, and therefore they are grown in the mountainous areas of East Africa easily. Too much rain, storms, and floods destroy crops. High night temperatures can significantly affect crop productivity. In terms of value, the largest dry bean supplier country in the world 2020 is China. From 2014 to 2018, the most notable growth rate in terms of dry bean consumption was achieved by China.

Peanuts

Peanuts are a good source of vegetable protein, they contain many amino acids, as well as mineral salts, in particular magnesium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus, manganese, and copper, as well as vitamins, fiber, and healthy high fats. From breakfast, through snacks, desserts, and energy bars, those who are not intolerant to this legume bring a good daily benefit. Arachis hypogaea crops require a stable and particular environment to grow. With too little rain they may not germinate; in conditions of abundant rain instead, they could mold and/or contract a disease. If subjected to too much heat, their shoots could burn and will not grow enough. Some peanut-producing countries are susceptible to droughts and heat waves that have destroyed entire crops. Experts are researching drought-tolerant peanut varieties. As the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) explains, peanuts require up to five months of fairly consistent heat, combined with about 50-100cm of rain during the harvest season, in addition to moist soil that helps prevent and avoid contamination. Due to all these needs, this legume can be difficult to grow if considering climate change. A study by Bioversity International and the International Rice Research Institute found that 18 to 25 percent of peanut species could become non-existent by 2055. Peanut butter may soon be difficult to find and produce. In 2018, China has become the largest peanut producer in the world, it’s also among the largest consumers of peanuts, and leads the export of peanut butter.

Soybeans

green soy — Mung bean – photo: china-underground.com

red soy — Mung bean – photo: china-underground.com

Soy is rich in B vitamins, iron, and potassium. Unlike other legumes, soy is more digestible and rich in proteins and lipids. The presence of phytoestrogens and isoflavones has helped to increase its popularity in the field of health wellness foods. Bean sprouts, tofu, edamame, tempeh, textured soy, miso, soy sauce, soy drink are just some of the various forms in which soy is commonly consumed around the world. It’s the queen of Asian culinary culture, as it’s present in a lot of traditional food and used to make derivatives. It has become known in the West thanks to its high nutritional contribution in vegetarian and vegan diets, for the benefits in those suffering from food intolerances towards dairy products and derivatives and in the nutrition of athletes. Is important to remember that soy indirectly is also into the modern carnivores diet. Even if they voluntarily don’t eat it, soy is used in the intensive farming of sheep, cattle, pigs, fish. Animals are fed with feed rations containing large quantities of soy due to its high nutritional value. A 2017 study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) pointed out that the lack of water resulting from the increase in temperature would seem to be a determining factor for the harvest of soybeans. A simulation demonstrates the grave threat due to global warming, which would result in a 40% reduction in yields by the end of the century. Every day, with the temperature rise, soybean yields decrease in significant percentages. Soybeans account for 90% of U.S. oilseed production and are an excellent source of biofuels, making them among the most economically important beans in the world. China ranks as the world’s leading consumer of soya and is the fifth exporter in the world in 2019, while in 2018 it ranks fourth among the world’s largest producers.

Oranges

Are oranges going extinct? Oranges are prized for their ascorbic acid content, although their vitamin C intake is lower than that of kiwis, peppers, spinach, and strawberries. They help strengthen the immune system, they are rich in fiber, mineral salts, vitamins, and help promote the absorption of the iron contained in plant foods. They have antioxidant and refreshing properties. They are appreciated by adults and children also for their cheerful color and fresh scent, which also leads to the use of scraps and peels, to create ecological products, decorations, etc. Citrus fruits are at risk worldwide due to Huanglongbing (yellow dragon disease), formerly known as citrus greening. This citrus tree disease is caused by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, which spreads through the tree canopy, causing it to decline and eventually die. The disease has affected oranges in Florida and has also been detected in Bhutan, Brazil, China, and elsewhere. China is the second-largest producer in the world 2019/2020 after Brazil.

Potatoes

Are potatoes going extinct? The potato is a food rich in potassium and zinc, it also contains different types of pro vitamins A, trace elements, and minerals such as sodium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and iron. It benefits the body and the substances it contains are very useful in case of hypertension. Potatoes are a very versatile food, used in almost all international cuisines, which appeals to all age groups and in any form or type of preparation, from French fries, baked potatoes to puree, etc … According to a study conducted by Bioversity International and the International Rice Research Institute, up to 25% of wild potato species are projected to become extinct by 2055 due to climate change. There is a serious threat to potato growing, with rising temperatures accompanying sea-level prompting potato growers in some parts of the world to move to higher altitudes. But this is not a long-term solution, it will become increasingly difficult to find suitable land for planting potatoes. China ranks first for consumption 2019, third world’s exporters and first world’s producers.

Strawberries

Strawberries contain vitamins with significant concentrations of folic acid and ascorbic acid, of which they result in an excellent source of vitamin C. They have excellent amounts of potassium and manganese. Strawberries are rich in antioxidants, regulate blood sugars, and have anti-inflammatory properties. Children and adults from all over the world are greedy for this juicy fruit that transmits freshness and light-heartedness with its flavor and aroma. The International Society for Horticultural Science through a study showed that climate change has begun to reduce strawberry crops. Spain is the main exporter of strawberries. China is the largest strawberry producer in the world by production volume per year. China and the United States of America together produce 57% of the world’s total of strawberries. China has increased its consumption of strawberries.

Tea

Gaoxiang Ecological Tea Cultural Tour Area of Eshan

Tea is a beverage originated and introduced by Chinese culture, consisting of an infusion or decoction made from the leaves of Camellia sinensis, with natural antibacterial, antiviral, astringent, and antioxidant properties. It is the second most-consumed drink after water. The tea crop is highly sensitive to climate change and pesticides. According to a 2018 report written by FAO’s Intergovernmental Group (IGG), tea can only be produced under strictly defined agro-ecological conditions. The Rainforest Alliance is working with tea growers around the world to adapt to and slow down climate change. China is the leading tea producing and exporting country in the world. The main tea consumption per capita is in Turkey, China ranks 20th.

Vanilla

Vanilla is a natural antiseptic but also a precious calming, it has antioxidant properties, promotes digestive processes, and is beneficial for the cardio-circulatory system. In addition to its strong presence in the bakery industry, it is also used as a flavoring for pharmaceutical products. This spice pod is not that easy to grow. According to data from the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF), it appears that 85% of the world’s vanilla comes from Madagascar. Violent tropical storms due to climate change can destroy the vanilla crop, creating serious consequences for Madagascar’s economy. China ranks third in the world for vanilla production, accounting for 1/3 of Madagascar’s production.

Wine

Wine has antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and blood-thinning metabolic properties. A glass of red wine a day could reduce the incidence of stroke, and it also appears to protect the brain from cognitive decline. Wine, being an alcoholic, cannot be considered a healthy drink, therefore, it must be taken in moderation amount. Wine is also at risk from climate change. According to researchers from the University of Alcalá in Spain, a rise in temperature of only 2 degrees could result in the loss of 56% of the world’s wine-growing area. An increase of 4 degrees would lead to a loss of 85% making the production unusable. During recent years China has tried to increase its wine production.

We need to really think through how new economy and technology can help Planet Earth and save our good food habits from the climate crisis.

Anyway hoping not to face a catastrophe …

In the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, a giant secure seed bank in the middle of the glaciers a thousand kilometers from the North Pole, in the Svalbard Islands in Norway, hoping that the worst doesn’t happen in a bunker, the seeds that guarantee the biodiversity of our planet are preserved and protected.

Sources: https://www.climate.gov/ – https://www.exeter.ac.uk/ – https://ciat.cgiar.org/ – http://www.fao.org/home/en/ – https://www.atlasbig.com/ – https://www.tridge.com/ – https://www.statista.com/ – http://www.worldstopexports.com/ – https://www.rainforest-alliance.org/ – https://www.internationalblueberry.org/

topics: Foods that might soon disappear because of climate change, climate change in China

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Dominique Musorrafiti

CHINA-UNDERGROUND. Ciao! My name is Dominique. I’m Italian and I’m proud to be a mix. My father was an Italian chemical engineer and high school teacher, with Greek and Polish heritage. My mother is Haitian, she was high school language teacher, with Dominican, Spanish, French, Portuguese, African and Native American heritage. Being a mix makes me appreciate to want to understand different cultures and lifestyles. I grew up in Italy, lived few years in Haiti, travel around main European capitals, lived seven years in China, six in Spain and UK. Traveling makes me feel that we can learn something from every situation in every part of the world.

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