Abstract
Climate change is likely to bring less rainfall in the sub-tropics and affect the distribution of rainfed-suitable area, increasing the demand for irrigation water. In the dry low-latitudes, crop yield will decline while an increase of yield in mid- to high-latitudes is expected as far as mean temperature does not increase more than 2 °C. Wood production will increase in short- to mid-terms with considerable regional variations. Local extinctions of certain fish species are possible. Livestock is negatively affected by heat stress and changes in climate. In addition to mean changes in climate, changes in frequency and intensity of extreme weather events will seriously affect production of food, woods, meat, and subsequently food security. The trade of food and forest products will increase but many developing countries will further rely on food imports. Impacts of climate change on food can be dealt with, up to a few degrees Celsius temperature increase, by adaptation measures. It is necessary to promote autonomous and planned adaptation to climate change, and at the same time, to keep the temperature rise minimum by mitigation measures.
