Earth is ‘on course to be a hothouse’
Food supply fears as extreme weather takes its toll on veg
WE may be only decades away from a climate tipping-point that will leave swathes of Earth uninhabitable, say experts.
When global average temperatures are around 2C higher than in the 1750s – they are already 1C higher and rising – a “hothouse Earth” state of uncontrollable climate change will start, a team led by the University of Stockholm predicted.
Scientists said this would pose “severe risks for health, economies, political stability, and habitability”.
Commenting on the findings, researcher Dr Phil Williamson from the University of East Anglia said: “This is definitely not a case of crying wolf… the wolves are now in sight.”
We’ve all incurred massive extra costs for drought issues ANDREW BURGESS VEGETABLE FARMER
FOOD supplies are being threatened by the heatwave, with farmers warning of a “genuine shortage of crops”.
Lettuce yields are down by a quarter, sending prices up 22% year on year.
Onions, broccoli and cauliflowers are also affected and carrot yields are likely to be down at least 30%, pushing up prices nearly 55%, according to reports.
And with demand for fresh veg, which stops growing in high temperatures, soaring by 40%, wholesalers have been forced to buy in foreign produce to meet quotas in their supermarket contracts.
It comes as the National Farmers’ Union warns if British households had relied solely on produce grown in the UK since January 1, supplies would have run out today – raising fears over the prospect of self-sufficiency after Brexit.
With temperatures set to remain above average until October, farmers called for financial help from retailers.
Andrew Burgess, of Yaxley, Cambs, said: “We’ve all incurred massive extra costs for drought-related issues.
“There is no doubt there is going to be a genuine shortage of crops. But there is a real danger that if this support is not forthcoming then there will be growers who can’t afford to plant all of their crops next season. In the year of Brexit, this would be a travesty.
“We need to get back to the old system where produce sales are led by a supply and demand model. Tenders [now] are won on supplying very large volumes on very tight margin with the assumption everything goes well.”
Meanwhile Defra figures show self-sufficiency has slumped to 60% from 75% in the early 1990s. Threequarters of the shortfall is imported from the EU.
NFU president Minette Batters said: “Every British citizen should be entitled to a high-quality supply of British food.
“Homegrown production must have the unwavering support of Government if we are to achieve this post-Brexit.”
Temperatures today could hit 34C in Essex and Norfolk, as the Met Office predicted the country will bake in high temperatures well into autumn.
Soup and dishes with chilli, turmeric, spinach or onions can help you cool down, according to experts for Just Eat.