Opportunities and Consequences of Climate Change

Climate change will have both positive and negative effects on cotton. Increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere may increase yields in well-watered growing conditions, and higher temperatures will certainly extend the length of growing season, especially in current short season areas. At the same time, higher temperatures have the potential to cause significant fruit shedding and lower yields. The impact on fiber quality also raises concern. These are some of the conclusions of 12 leading cotton researchers who present their views in ICAC’s latest publication.

The article on ‘Climate Change and Cotton Production in Modern Farming Systems’ is the sixth in the series of ICAC Review Articles on Production Research. Dr. Mike Bange and 11 other researchers not only discuss in details the impacts of climate change, but also make suggestions for researchers and planners to mitigate its forthcoming consequences on cotton. Extreme weather events, such as droughts, heat waves and flooding, also pose significant risks to improvements in cotton productivity. Simulation models can play a vital role in assessing impacts and adaption options before losses are suffered.

The publication is a joint initiative of the ICAC and CABI, and available from CABI at http://www.cabi.org.

The document can be ordered at the following address: http://www.cabi.org/bookshop/book/9781780648903