Climate crisis could hit yields of key crops even if farmers adapt, study finds

Maize was one of the staple crops covered by the study. Photograph: Maksim Safaniuk/Shutterstock

Some of our critical staple crops could suffer “substantial” production losses due to climate breakdown, a study has found, even if farmers adapt to worsening weather.

Maize, soy, rice, wheat, cassava and sorghum yields are projected to fall by as much as 120 calories per person per day for every 1C the planet heats up, according to new research in Nature, with average daily losses that could add up to the equivalent of not having breakfast.