1. Climate Change:
Declining Agricultural Yields
Yusuke Fukuyama and Daniel Um
IB HL Geography

2. Crops Declining
U.S. Agricultural Department:
-Corn production will decrease by 13%
in the next 6 years
-2012 had the lowest production 0f
corn since 2006, with soybeans at its
lowest production rate since 2003
-Average 123.4 bushels per acre, down
24 bushels from last year (corn)
(Credit: OSU Extension)

3. Causes
• Crop's Optimal Growing Conditions Narrow:
o e.g. Corn:
§ 5°C Optimal Growing Range (Temperature)
§ 1 Inch/Day Optimal Growing Range (Rainfall)
• As ice caps melt, ocean's salinity decreases
o Throws ocean's convection currents out of order
o Messes with water cycle causing less rain

4. Effects
• Increase in staple food price
-Corn price hitting an all time high in mid 2012 with $8.5 a
bushel in Chicago
• Child Malnutrition
-Global per capita calorie consumption will lower by 5%, Sub-
Saharan consumption will lower by 10% in 2020
• Food Shortage for Future Generation
- 1° increase in temperature can could play havoc by 2050

5. Solutions
• National Level:
o Countries Invest more in Green Technology
o Renewable Energy
• Individual Level:
o Biking, Car Pool, or Public Transport
o Buying Local Goods,
o Saving Electricity
§ Turning off Lights
§ Change to Energy Saving Light Bulbs/Electronics
§ Using a Fan instead of Air-Conditioners

6. Works Cited