By Stephen Beech via SWNS
Strawberries will soar in price due to climate change, warns a new study.
The summertime favorite fruits are likely to become fewer in number and pricier as global temperatures warm, say scientists.
Researchers examined the effect of rising temperatures on California’s crops.
Using a new method of analysis, a team from the University of Waterloo in Canada, found that a rise in temperature of 3 degrees Fahrenheit could reduce strawberry yields by up to 40 percent.
Strawberries are one of the most lucrative commodities for the economies of California and the United States. The 2022 market for strawberries alone was worth more than $3 billion.
Dr. Poornima Unnikrishnan, of Waterloo’s Department of Systems Design Engineering, said: “This research shows how climate change can directly impact the foods we love, emphasizing the importance of sustainable farming practices to maintain a stable food supply for everyone.”
She says sustainable farming practices could include optimizing irrigation to ensure adequate water supply during heatwaves, using drip