In Bahia in northeastern Brazil, farmer Ervino Kogler grows bananas on a 100-hectare plantation in a semi-arid area. He says 60 per cent of his farm needs irrigation. A 2023 heatwave caused a 15 per cent drop in the next year's harvest.
He explains that when temperatures reach about 40 degrees Celsius and humidity is very low, plants stop working even with irrigation. A study in Nature Food projects that, by 2080, rising temperatures could reduce suitable areas for export banana production in Latin America and the Caribbean by 60 per cent without urgent action.
Researchers used satellite images, including radar, to map intensive banana production. The study points to Colombia and Costa Rica as especially vulnerable, while parts of southern Brazil and Ecuador look more favourable.
Difficult words
- plantation — large farm where one crop is grown
- semi-arid — area with little rainfall and dry seasons
- irrigation — bringing water to land or crops
- heatwave — a long period of unusually hot weather
- humidity — amount of water in the air
- vulnerable — likely to be harmed or affected
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How would a 15 per cent drop in harvest affect a farmer you know?
- Do you use irrigation or extra water for plants at home? Why or why not?
- Have you experienced a heatwave where you live? What happened to local plants?
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