60% of banana growing regions threatened due to rising heat: Report

More than 400 million people rely on bananas for 15% to 27% of their daily calories

Rising temperatures have been adversely affecting crops, vegetables and fruits. The latest victim turns out to be banana — a tropical fruit which grows in a lot of regions across the world.

A report by the development agency Christian Aid highlights how 60% of the best banana growing areas, globally, are in danger due to high temperatures. This yellow fruit is the world’s fourth-most important food crop after wheat, rice and maize. 

Besides rising temperatures, extreme weather events and the growing problem of pests, also due to changing climate, are also wreaking havoc on banana production. According to the report, bananas are not just a fruit to enjoy, but a staple part of the diet of a lot of people globally. More than 400 million people rely on bananas for 15% to 27% of their daily calories.

Americas affected the most

“Climate change has been killing our crops. This means there is no income because we cannot sell anything. What is happening is that my plantation has been dying,” said Aurelia Pop Xo, a 53-year-old banana grower in Guatemala, Central America.

As of now, the regions of Latin America and the Caribbean are responsible for 80% of banana exports globally. But by 2080, around 60% of these regions can potentially be lost and become inhabitable due to rising temperatures and extreme weather, found the report. 

To grow well, the ideal temperature for growing bananas ranges between 15-35° C, and needs sufficient water. With rising extreme weather events and temperatures, there are water shortages that adversely affect the crop, while storms damage leaves, which in turn, inhibits the plant’s ability to photosynthesise. According to the report, rising temperatures are also increasing fungal infections, especially Fusarium Tropical Race 4, which can wipe out entire plantations.

Directed climate finance can be key

In the report, Christian Aid outlines targeted international climate finance as a measure that can reverse this troubling trend. It urges rich, historical polluters to cut emissions and send much needed climate finance to banana growers to adapt to a growing climate.

Furthermore, the report encourages consumers to opt for Fairtrade, thus ensuring that more money reaches the banana farmer, and buying organically grown bananas, which have a lower carbon footprint.

“Bananas are not just the world’s favourite fruit, but they are also an essential food for millions of people. We need to wake up to the danger posed by climate change to this vital crop. The lives and livelihoods of people who have done nothing to cause the climate crisis are already under threat,” said Osai Ojigho, Director of Policy and Campaigns, Christian Aid.

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