Impact of Climate Change on Global Maize Yields 

This data visualization shows predicted maize yields through the end of this century based on an ensemble of crop and climate models. Climate model simulations from the international Climate Model Intercomparison Project-Phase 6 (CMIP6) were used. Each of the five climate models runs its own unique response to Earth’s atmosphere of greenhouse gas emission scenarios through the year 2100. The climate model simulations were then used as inputs for 12 state-of-the-art global crop models that are part of the Agricultural Model Intercomparison Project (AgMIP), creating about 240 global climate-crop model simulations for each crop. 

Average global crop yields for maize, or corn, may see a decrease of 24% by the late century if current climate change trends continue. The change in yields is due to the projected increases in temperature, shifts in rainfall patterns and elevated surface carbon dioxide concentrations due to human-caused greenhouse gas emissions, making it more difficult to grow maize in the tropics. 


For more information visit: 
svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/4925/ 

For hyperwall presenter use only. Please do not link to this page from public websites.