How heatwaves could lead to a food security crisis in the UK

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleBritish farmers are experiencing a food security crisis due to severe weather events, leading to widespread harvest failures and escalating food prices. Professor Paul Behrens from the University of Oxford warns that extreme weather, including heatwaves, droughts, and storms, is causing crop yields to stagnate and drop, with the poorest likely to suffer first. Research indicates that three of the five worst cereal and oilseed harvests in England this decade were due to extreme weather, and climate change contributed to a third of food price increases in 2023. The government asserts its commitment to protecting the nation's food security, outlining a long-term plan for a sustainable farming sector that includes significant investment in new technology and climate-resilient crops. Agricultural experts and climate scientists, including the NFU's deputy president, emphasise the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather, warning that without rapid action, impacts seen in 1976 will become commonplace. In fullBritons will struggle to put food on table as heatwaves become the norm, scientists warnThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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