Scientists have warned that a “global health catastrophe” could be just around the corner due to an increase in attacks by certain types of fungi.
what’s happening?
guardian report The spread of fungal diseases that destroy crops will increase as global temperatures increase, making them more prevalent in traditionally cold northern climates, while increasing frequency of extreme weather events will expand the range of resilient pathogens. It is predicted that the situation will get even worse.
This could lead to global food shortages.
“We are warning of a potential global health catastrophe caused by the rapid global spread of fungal infections. The immediate threat here is not zombies, but global It’s a famine.” Said Sarah Garr, a professor at the University of Exeter in the UK, talks about the Emmy Award-winning show. the last of us.
Fungal pathogens are reportedly Since the 1990s, it has been moving north at a rate of 7.5 miles per year.
the study Published Published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature.
Why is this a concern?
meanwhile fungal elements and certain fungi Fungal infections are by far the “biggest destroyer” of crops; report The Guardian pointed out that around 10-23% were ruined by such types of diseases.
“We are already seeing large-scale losses of crops due to fungal infections. …This alarming trend is likely to be exacerbated by a warming world,” said the study’s co-authors. Eva Stukenbrock, a professor at the University of Kiel in Germany, said: Said Press.
Earth’s overheating is already leading to the destruction of other major food sources, including seafood. 3 billion People depend on essential food.
In addition to hunger, further disruption to supply chains will increase in conflict and displacement.
The world’s population is said to be 7.6 billion. United Nations Department of Economic and Social AffairsHowever, that number is expected to increase to 11.2 billion by 2100.
What is being done about fungal pathogens?
Scientists have been working on various solutions to make crops more resilient; Said The Guardian newspaper that fungal pathogen research needs Significant increase in funding.
news organization I have written The scientists say they conducted an experiment in which they “planted seed mixtures with different genes that are resistant to fungal infections,” but in an unrelated study, superfood quinoa They can be modified to protect against certain pests and diseases, which could help prevent widespread starvation.
other possibilities quoted According to the Guardian, this includes the use of technology such as drones and artificial intelligence to detect and stop fungal infections more quickly.
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