Effects on Crops

The United States exports ~30% of its corn, rice and wheat crops. Although warmer temperatures could make crops grow faster, the faster growth rates reduce the time that the plant has time to mature. This is especially important to grain crops. Grain crops and soybeans could benefit from higher atmospheric CO₂ levels, however, weeds, pests and fungi thrive under these conditions. Changes in CO₂, temperature, and precipitation could cause shifts of weeds and pests into areas that have not been exposed to these species. This would cause the additional use of fungicides and pesticides, which could impact public health.

Source: igor stevanovic/Bigstock.com