A new report from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), released on April 22, 2026, warns that extreme heat events driven by climate change are pushing global agriculture to a breaking point. The report states that over one billion people are at risk from these escalating heatwaves, which are damaging crops, reducing yields, and threatening food security worldwide.
The report, titled 'The State of the Climate and Agriculture 2026,' highlights that the frequency and intensity of extreme heat episodes have increased significantly in recent decades. It notes that agricultural systems, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, are highly vulnerable, with staple crops like wheat, rice, and maize facing severe stress. The FAO and WMO call for urgent adaptation measures, including heat-resistant crop varieties and improved early warning systems.
According to the report, the economic impact is substantial, with potential losses in agricultural productivity estimated at hundreds of billions of dollars annually. The organizations emphasize that without immediate action, food prices could rise sharply, exacerbating hunger and poverty, especially in developing nations. The report also underscores the need for global cooperation to mitigate climate change and support farmers in adapting to new climatic realities.
