Climate change threatens banana production

Banana production could become economically unsustainable in much of Latin America and the Caribbean by 2080. All due to climate change. This is according to a study by the University of Exeter, which reveals that 60% of exporting regions will face difficulties in growing the fruit if there is no urgent intervention.

The research indicates that socioeconomic factors also make it difficult to adapt to the climate. Most plantations are located near densely populated areas and ports, which limits the possibility of moving to regions with more favorable climatic conditions.

Professor Dan Bebber, who led the study, warns that climate change poses a direct threat to global food security and the livelihoods of millions of workers. He advocates investments in adaptation, such as expanding irrigation and developing more heat-resistant banana varieties.

The study used high-resolution satellite imagery to map banana production areas in Latin America and the Caribbean and estimate the ideal climate conditions for cultivation. The results indicate that global warming will reduce productivity in producing regions and increase workers’ exposure to extreme temperatures.

The impacts will be most severe in countries such as Colombia and Costa Rica, which may become too hot for ideal cultivation. In contrast, Ecuador and parts of Brazil are expected to remain important producers, as the impact of the climate in these areas will be less intense.

More information can be found at doi.org/10.1038/s43016-025-01130-1