Global warming in the Indian Ocean has altered climate conditions towards drier conditions in Australia’s world-important wheat belt, causing a severe drop in yields over the past three decades, according to a new study.
Scientists from Australia and China have warned that as global warming continues, conditions for growing wheat will become more difficult. It is reported by “ProAgro Group” with reference to The Guardian.
The study, published in Nature Food, analyzed various climatic events that have affected rainfall in Australia since the late 1800s and used models to see how this affected wheat yields.
Global warming has caused a change in a climate pattern known as the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD). When it is in a positive phase, it can deprive wheat producers of rain.
“Climate warming is the main driving force behind the increasing number of positive IOD events.”
Dr Andrew King, co-author of the study from the University of Melbourne, said the Indian Ocean was warming rapidly due to greenhouse gas emissions.
The areas in Australia most affected by these positive IOD events overlapped with areas where wheat is grown.
