A warmer planet is helping pests destroy crops globally: Soaring temperatures globally are aggravating crop shortages by contributing to the spread of insects and plant disease, Bloomberg reported on Saturday. A worsening shortage is already causing the prices of goods like cocoa, olive oil, and orange juice to skyrocket. Plant diseases cost the global economy over USD 220 bn annually and invasive pests cause at least USD 70 bn in losses, according to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization.

Why pests spell trouble: Pests can adapt easily to higher temperatures, which allow them to generate at a quicker rate and migrate faster, according to Georgetown University entomologist Leah Buchman. As the world gets warmer, certain insect species are starting to expand beyond their native habitats. Moths native to the Americas are eating up corn and other grains in Africa and Asia, and a tropical whitefly has been causing damage to tomato plantations in Europe.

The crops are taking a hit: The fall armyworm — native to the Americas — is destroying China’s corn crops earlier than usual, Bloomberg reports. India’s output of tomatoes, cassavas, beans, and sweet potatoes took a hit due to the silverleaf whitefly transmitting plant viruses to crops. The black pod disease and the swollen shoot virus are destroying cocoa crops in West Africa — home to two-thirds of the global cocoa supply — causing wholesale prices to rise to record highs this year.

OTHER STORIES WORTH KNOWING ABOUT THIS MORNING-

  • Dubai beaches attract night swimmers: A large number of Dubai residents are heading to beaches at night to avoid the daytime heat. The Dubai municipality has designated some of its coastline as “night beaches” allowing swimming 24 hours a day. (The New York Times)
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