A new UN report warns that rising extreme heat events are severely impacting agriculture food security and labour productivity, requiring urgent adaptation strategies and climate resilient systems worldwide.

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• Food and Agriculture Organization and World Meteorological Organization warn that extreme heat events are increasing in frequency, intensity and duration over recent decades
• The report highlights that extreme heat is a major risk multiplier affecting crops, livestock, fisheries and ecosystems while threatening livelihoods of over a billion people globally
• In regions like South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, working conditions may become unsafe for up to 250 days annually due to excessive heat impacting agricultural labour productivity
• Crop yields begin declining above 30 degrees Celsius while livestock experience heat stress above 25 degrees, reducing productivity and increasing risks to food systems
• Heat waves are strongly linked with increased wildfires, leading to longer and more intense fire seasons, further damaging agricultural land and natural ecosystems
• The report emphasizes adaptation strategies including climate-resilient crop varieties, adjusted planting schedules and improved farm management practices to mitigate heat impacts
• Early warning systems and climate services are crucial tools helping farmers prepare for extreme weather events and reduce risks associated with sudden temperature spikes
• Financial support mechanisms like insurance, cash transfers and social protection schemes are essential to strengthen resilience of farmers and agri-food systems against climate stress