Relax, KOMO News, Is Tomato Supplies and Tomato Sauce Safe Amid Climate Change – Are You OK?
KOMO News in Seattle, as well as several other media outlets in the region, have carried stories claiming that climate change threatens global tomato and ketchup production. The data shows this to be false. Against the backdrop of modest warming, tomato production and production has increased significantly worldwide as a whole and in each of the top producing countries. Many tomatoes are grown in greenhouses, which add carbon dioxide to their atmosphere. The growth of tomatoes outside the greenhouse confirms the continued benefits of carbon dioxide fertilization.
An article by KOMO, titled “Scientists predict future ketchup shortages as climate change damages crops“Quote research from an international team of researchers using computer models with simulations showing that tomato yields, particularly those used to produce ketchup, are likely to decline due to climate change .
“Researchers believe that warmer temperatures will accelerate plant growth cycles, leading to shorter plant development times,” KOMO writes. “They predict a 6% decline in tomato production by 2050; But between 2050 and 2100, the global tomato harvest could be cut in half.”
If KOMO and the team examined real-world data, for example, data from field and greenhouse experiments and from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), they would find little to worry about. there. Tomato production is doing well. In addition, contrary to computer model simulations, real-world tests and studies indicate that carbon dioxide levels should also continue to increase tomato production.
Regarding the second point, dozens of articles and experiments have been summarized and discussed at CO2Science.org showed that tomato production, like that of most plants, improved when carbon dioxide was added to the atmosphere. The CO2 fertilizer effect improves photosynthesis in tomatoes, helping them grow faster, produce better plants, and use water more efficiently.
Data from FAO confirmed experimental findings. Since 1990, tomato production and yield in China, India and the United States, top three tomato producing countries, and for the world as a whole, has grown significantly, tracking modest increases in carbon dioxide and temperature in the atmosphere over the period. From 1990 to 2020 (See picture below):
- Tomato production in China increased by more than 736 percent and production increased by about 118 percent;
- Tomato production in India increased by nearly 347% and yield improved by about 60%;
- Tomato production in the United States increased 12% with a 101% increase in production;
- Global tomato production increased by about 145 percent, as production increased by about 41 percent.
The proof is clear; Tomato production is doing well, and agronomists and botanists explain that part of this is due to the increase in carbon dioxide levels that KOMO is warning of threatening the continued viability of the plant. Crops. Alarmism is no substitute for truth. Many people love ketchup, and based on the evidence, there’s no reason why ketchup fans should fear climate change will create future shortages.
H. Sterling Burnett, Ph.D. is managing editor of Environment & Climate News and a research fellow in environmental and energy policy at the Heartland Institute. Burnett has worked at the National Center for Policy Analysis for 18 years, most recently as a senior fellow in charge of the NCPA’s environmental policy program. He has held various positions in professional and public policy organizations, including serving as a member of the Environment and Natural Resources Task Force on the Texas e-Texas committee. Comptroller.
Related
