Latin America's banana crisis: Climate change threat by 2080
Climate change poses a serious threat to global banana crops, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean. A report by the charity organisation Christian Aid warns that by the year 2080, two-thirds of these areas could become unsuitable for production.
Climate change increasingly threatens banana crops, which are among the most popular fruits in the world. This is evidenced by a report published by the international charity organisation Christian Aid, which indicates that rising temperatures, extreme weather phenomena, and diseases threaten both bananas and the communities that rely on them. According to the organisation's calculations, by 2080, up to two-thirds of the agricultural areas in Latin America and the Caribbean could become unsuitable for banana production.
"My plantation is dying"
"Climate change has been killing our crops. This means there is no income because we cannot sell anything. What is happening is that my plantation has been dying. So, what has been happening is death," says Aurelia Pop Xo, a plantation owner from Guatemala, in an interview with "The Guardian."
Bananas are the fourth most important food crop in the world, right after wheat, rice, and maize. They are a crucial source of calories for over 400 million people, providing between 15 to 27 percent of daily energy needs. As much as 80 percent of the bananas grown globally are intended for local consumption, and only 20 percent are exported, mainly from Latin America and the Caribbean.
Why are Cavendish bananas so susceptible to diseases?
Bananas, especially the Cavendish variety, are particularly sensitive to climate changes. They require temperatures between 15 and 35°C and an appropriate amount of water to grow properly. Extreme weather events, such as storms, damage banana leaves, hindering photosynthesis and reducing yields.
The Cavendish variety, dominant in the export market, is seedless and propagated by cloning, which leads to a lack of genetic diversity. This makes it exceptionally susceptible to diseases. Black leaf streak, which develops in a humid environment, can reduce the ability of banana plants to photosynthesise by up to 80 percent. Meanwhile, the Fusarium tropical race 4 fungus, transmitted through the soil, destroys entire plantations of the Cavendish variety worldwide. Changing rainfall patterns and rising temperatures only exacerbate these problems.
Organisations urge the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
Christian Aid calls on global leaders to take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which will help mitigate extreme weather events. The organisation also calls for climate funding to help farmers adapt to new conditions and rebuild their farms.
To support banana growers, consumers can choose Fairtrade bananas, which guarantee better prices and conditions for farmers, and organic bananas, which limit the use of harmful fertilisers. Anna Pierides from the Fairtrade Foundation emphasized that without fair prices, banana growers simply cannot make ends meet.
