Climate Change, Climate Extremes, and Global Food Production—Adaptation in the Agricultural Sector

Abstract Climate change poses major risks for the global food system in the 21st century and threatens the livelihoods of farmers and communities. Developing countries are particularly affected, as a higher share of their population depend on agriculture as a main source of income. Additionally, population growth and changes in consumption patterns are projected to increase the pressure on the food system in the coming decades. Food production will have to grow significantly over the coming decades to meet future demands, while at the same time adapting to the effects of climate change and reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. This chapter summarizes the main impacts of climate change and related changes in extreme events and atmospheric CO 2 concentration on the global food system, based on a bibliographic network analysis. Finally, this chapter reviews adaptation options in the agricultural sector and outlines main challenges and barriers to adaptation.