Guidance

Heat summary - Chapter 9: climate and food supply

This page summarises Chapter 9 of the Health Effects of Climate Change (HECC) report with a focus on the impact of heat on climate and food supply. This is part of the science and stats section for the hazard: heat.

Applies to England

Key resources for HECC Chapter 9:

Heat summary of Chapter 9

Climate change impacts crop and livestock production through extreme weather events, lower availability of ground and surface water, changes to soil quality and exposure to contaminants.
 
In the medium-term, warmer and drier conditions in the UK might increase the variety of crops that can be grown. Warmer winters could also mean lower costs of housing livestock like cows.

However, in the long-term, higher temperatures are expected to reduce crop yields and livestock productivity. If no adaptation measures are taken, this could lead to significant reductions in food production by the end of the century.
  
The UK imports nearly half of the food we consume from other countries. Many of these imports come from regions that are vulnerable to climate change, many of which are already experiencing disruption to agricultural production due to more extreme weather. This could lead to more frequent shortages of essential food items like fruits, vegetables, and staples, and they could also cost more.
 
The UK’s reliance on imported food from climate-vulnerable regions could threaten the availability of nutritious food. If there are supply shortages, there is a risk that less healthy foods higher in saturated fats, sugars, and salt might replace healthier options, negatively impacting public health.

Updates to this page

Published 19 December 2024

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