CLIMATE · VERIFIED DEVELOPMENT
Europe's Crops Suffer from Extreme Heat and Drought
WHY IT MATTERS
The economic impact of this summer's extreme weather could lead to higher food prices and reduced crop yields, affecting consumers and farmers across Europe.
What happened
A summer of record-breaking heat and drought has severely impacted crops across Europe, with many countries expecting declines in cereal production and yields. France, Germany, and the UK are among the hardest hit, with significant losses in wheat, barley, oats, and maize production.
The extreme weather has also led to increased food prices and economic losses, with the EU's gross domestic product (GDP) potentially reduced by around 1% this year. Irrigated crops in Portugal have performed relatively well, but other crops relying on rainfall have shown signs of heat stress.
Farmers and experts are calling for better adaptation to extreme weather conditions, including heat, drought, and prolonged wet periods.
PRIMARY SOURCES
How this summer’s heat and drought impacted crops in Europe – in six charts
Carbon Brief · Carbon Brief Staff · Discovery and factual synthesis only; publisher copyright terms apply