Mapping the Shifting Agroclimatic Parameters and Agricultural Regions of
North America, A.D. 2100
William A. DandoIndiana State University
Bharath Ganesh-BabuValparaiso University
Climate and Agriculture
• Agriculture is the most important primary economic activity
• Agriculture is the primary economic activity most dependent on climate
Climate Change and Variation:Potential Impact in North America,
A.D. 2100 (Causes)
• Astronomical Changes
• Atmospheric composition and transparency changes
• Natural earth surface changes
• Human-induced earth surface changes
Possible Impact of Climate Change on North American Agriculture (Heat)
• Temperature will increase at a minimum of 3 to 6 degrees F
• Minimum temperatures will increase dramatically
• Permafrost melt will shift the southern boundary of permanently frozen ground 350 miles north
• Ice in the arctic will be reduced by 85 percent
Possible Impact of Climate Change on North American Agriculture (Moisture)
• Droughts in all climate regions will be more frequent
• Arid climate regions will expand in size
• Precipitation in A, C, and D climates will increase by 3 percent
• Sea levels will rise at a minimum 15 inches
Possible Impact of Climate Change on North American Agriculture (Storms)
• Violent rainstorms and tornadoes will be more frequent
• Hurricanes will be more violent and penetrate farther into the North American continent
• Winds will increase in speed and intensity
• Dust storm will be more frequent and be more intense
Postulated Major Agricultural Regions of North America, A.D. 2100
• Specialty Crops• Mediterranean Agriculture• Corn, Beans, and Livestock• Mixed Farming• Dairy, Fruit, and Small Grains• Plantation Agriculture• Wheat and Small Grains• Non-Agricultural Areas• Range Livestock Ranching
Summary: A New Era for American Agriculture
• There will be a shift in agricultural regions and a change in crop combinations
• Yields and productivity will increase
• International demands for food will increase farm income
• North America will experience a new era of agricultural innovation and adjustment and rural prosperity.