Better Planet
California vineyards face "decline in wine quality"
California and other wine regions around the globe could be in serious trouble if global temperatures rise 2 degrees Celcius.
California "overlooking" ways to save water, study suggests
While some legislation sets out extreme methods to save water, this new study says there are simple, less extreme steps that could be taken.
Better Planet
Parts of the US may see "devastating" plant changes
Americans could see plants faring differently in their gardens, with hardiness levels changing due to global warming.
US being invaded by "time bomb" weed
"The longer it is dormant, we're more likely to ignore it," scientist Mohsen Mesgaran said, leading to their "eventual emergence as a serious invasive threat."
Better Planet
US crops under threat from "unsustainable phenomenon"
New findings show that 20 percent of all agricultural soils are severally lacking a healthy amount of potassium.
Better Planet
Scientists discover "fascinating" worm that can replace pesticides
"A parasite that poops out pathogenic stuff to help kill its host," researcher Adler Dillman said. "It essentially liquefies the insect."
First-ever moondust-grown chickpeas game changer for astronauts
"Food sustainability is one of the most significant barriers to long-term space travel," the researchers wrote in the paper.
Pennsylvania could face a potato shortage
A bacterial species found in Pennsylvania potato fields, named P. actinidiae, has not previously been seen in the U.S.
Better Planet
Crop yields at risk in Kansas, Nebraska and Texas, scientists warn
As drought worsens because of climate change, the groundwater supply could be in real trouble.
News
California may face fruit and nut shortage due to climate change
The codling moth, peach twig borer and oriental fruit moth are set to increase in numbers, which will wreak havoc on local crops.
News
Coffee prices could rise due to loss of insects
Climate change–driven declines in pollinating insects will result in less successful coffee, cocoa, watermelon and mango crops.
Sustainability
Texting NASA data to Bangladeshi rice farmers cuts water waste
U.S. scientists are joining forces with the Bangladeshi government to protect a staple crop. Their secret weapon? The cellphone
Texas heat waves put crops and cattle at risk
Higher-than-normal temperatures threaten crop yields, especially when it comes to corn and sorghum, while also causing stress to cattle in the state.
Texas crops are cannibalizing themselves in heat wave
"The plant is basically...eating itself up trying to survive," one Texan farmer said.
U.S. wheat supply threatened as worst drought in decade scorches Kansas
Kansas is currently in the clutches of a major drought, with over half of the state in "severe drought" or above, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
"Nothing stops them": Locust army filmed destroying crops in shocking video
"It was just utterly spectacular and horrific for anyone standing in their way," said a producer of a docuseries on the 2020 event.
Corn prices set to soar after Midwest hit by worst drought in 30 years
Abnormally dry temperatures across the Midwest have raised concerns over a drop in corn production this year.
Why "flash droughts" are on the rise
Flash droughts, which can happen rapidly and with little warning, are occurring increasingly across the world due to increased global temperatures.
Swarms of mice descend on Australian farms again
Mice have begun to amass in rural Australia, with fears that the swarms may get as bad as the 2020-21 plague.
Man wakes up to find elephants raiding his garden
Thailand is experiencing a severe drought and as resources are depleted elephants venture away from their natural habitats to search for food in populated areas.
Plague of Lanternflies Descending Across 14 U.S. States
These invasive bugs suck the fluids out of tree tissue, which can eventually kill the plant.
China Has Started Geoengineering Rain Over Extreme Heat and Drought
The news comes as Cornell scientists say that geoengineering may be necessary to combat the effects of climate change.
How Colorado River Cuts Will Impact National Food Supply
Cuts in the water supply could harm Arizona's nearly $4 billion agricultural sector.
Nuclear War Scenarios Would See Billions Dead From Famine Globally
Scientists have predicted that the soot ejected into the atmosphere during a nuclear war could cause worldwide famines due to reduced crop growth.
Farmers Fear 'Crisis' on Horizon as Heat Wave Threatens Crops, Animals
"In July, when we're getting the weather that we usually get in August, it's pretty scary," said Todd Sandstrum of Medway Community Farm in Massachusetts.
What Is 'Heatflation'? Soaring Temps Could Impact Grocery Costs
As the world sees heat waves affecting crop production, global food prices could be driven up even further.
MTG Asks Why Kansas Cows Died After Saying Hot Earth Will Help Feed People
"Why did thousands of cattle all die in a heat wave?" Greene tweeted. "Usually just the old, sick, or weak die in stressful conditions, not the whole herd."
Swarms of Mormon Crickets Engulf Oregon Farms: 'Truly Biblical'
The two-inch-long insects damaged crops on 10 million acres of Oregon farmland last year.
Chopping up Invasive Worms Makes New Individuals, California Officials Warn
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has said hammerhead worms and jumping worms are damaging gardens, forests and wildlife.
Electric Cars Could Help Feed the World By Reducing Pollution: Researchers
Scientists used satellite images to reveal the phenomenon for the first time.