Plant pests that ravage economically important crops are becoming more destructive and posing an increasing threat to food security and the environment due to the impact of climate change, according to a new FAO scientific review.
The Director-General of the FAO, QU Dongyu, highlighted the need to tackle climate change at the launch of the review.
“The key findings of this review should alert all of us on how climate change may affect how infectious, distributed and severe pests can become around the world. The review clearly shows that the impact of climate change is one of the greatest challenges the plant health community is facing”.
Meanwhile, FAO estimates that up to 40 percent of global crop production is lost to pests annually. Each year, plant diseases cost the global economy over $220 billion, and invasive insects at least $70 billion. The review analyses 15 plant pests that have spread or may spread due to climate change.
Impact of climate change on plant pests
The scientific review finds that climate change will increase the risk of pests spreading in agricultural and forestry ecosystems. This will happen especially in cooler Arctic, boreal, temperate and subtropical regions. For example, a single, unusually warm winter may be enough to assist the establishment of invasive pests.
Also, it finds that Some pests, like fall armyworm and Tephritid fruit flies have already spread due to warmer climate. Besides, the desert locust, the world’s most destructive migratory pest, is expected to change its migratory routes and geographical distribution because of climate change.
Furthermore, the review finds that global travel and trade spread half of all emerging plant diseases which have tripled in volume over the last decade. More importantly, it finds the weather as the second most important factor.
The review stresses that pests are often impossible to eradicate once they have established themselves in a new territory. It added that managing them is time consuming and expensive.
Also, the report states that climate change-induced pest dispersal and intensity threaten food security as a whole. Moreover, the authors stressed that those who live in countries beset by food insecurity are especially vulnerable to these risks. Others are people whose livelihoods rely on plant health and small holders. Furthermore, invasive pests are also one of the main drivers of biodiversity loss.
mitigating the impact on plants and crops
Furthermore, the review puts forward a number of recommendations to mitigate the impact of climate change on plant health. Prominent amongst them is to increase international cooperation. This is deemed crucial as the effective management of plant pests by one country affects the success of others. Moreover, it calls for improved measures to limit the international spread of pests. The authors believe the world can achieve this through trade and travel and adjustments to plant protection protocols.
The review also stresses the need for more research into the impact of climate change on pests and hence, on plant health. It also calls for more investments in strengthening national phytosanitary systems and structures.
Tackling climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation
FAO believes that it is crucial to respond to the interconnected challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental degradation simultaneously.
Meanwhile, FAO has pledged to continue to support Member countries with technical and scientific advice. It will also help fight plant pests that are a threat to global food security such as desert locust and fall armyworm.
READ ALSO: Finance Ministry denies allegations of reckless borrowing
