The ongoing climate crisis poses a major threat to the future of the Hanana, the most popular fruit in the world. According to recent research, nearly two-thirds of banana-growing areas in Latin America and the Caribbean may not be suitable for cultivation by 2080. Extreme weather, rising temperatures and climate-related pests have severely affected countries where bananas are grown, such as Guatemala, Costa Rica, Costa Rica and Colombia. As in the latest report from Christian Aid’s latest report, “Driving to Bananas: How Climate Change Threats the World’s Favorite Fruit,” this situation has reduced yields and destructive rural communities across the region.
Bananas are the most consumed fruit in the world and the fourth important crop after wheat, rice and corn. About 80% of bananas produced worldwide are consumed in their local markets, and more than 400 million people rely on 15-27% of their daily calorie intake. Most banana exports are found in supermarkets around the world, and about 80% come from Latin America and the Caribbean.
However, the region faces significant risks of extreme weather events and gradually climate-related disasters. Banana crops are currently threatened by a climate crisis caused by humans, and dangers are crucial food sources and livelihoods of communities that have contributed greatly to greenhouse gas emissions that drive global warming.
Bananas are sensitive fruits that require a temperature range of 15°C to 35°C and sufficient water volume. They are susceptible to storms, which can damage the leaves of plants, thereby reducing their photosynthesis capabilities.
Despite the many varieties of bananas, Cavendish has a good taste, firmness and high yield, making it a major exporter and is therefore very popular. However, the lack of genetic diversity makes it vulnerable to climate change. It leads to the spread of fungal diseases that have devastated livelihoods and crops. For example, “black spot” fungi can reduce the ability of bananas to photosynthesis by 80% and prosper in humid climates, making bananas susceptible to unstable rainfall and flooding. These changing temperatures have had a devastating impact on Cavendish plantations around the world.
Christian aid refers to the heavily polluted countries used by the wealthy to pollute these plantations, which calls for the urgent need to phase out fossil fuels and achieve their goals to develop policies to address climate change.
The article was interned by Christian University student Nikhila Gayatri Kalla and Deccan Chronicle.
