Summary
This multi-model analysis examines how future reductions in water availability could undermine agricultural productivity and threaten current land use globally. Approximately 11% of croplands and 10% of grasslands are projected to lose productive capacity due to water stress, with Africa, the Middle East, China, Europe and Asia particularly vulnerable. The authors found that dietary shifts (reduced meat consumption and food waste) offer the most substantial buffer against anticipated land loss and food insecurity.
UK applicability
Europe is identified as a region particularly at risk from water availability changes; UK policymakers may need to consider water stress impacts on domestic agricultural productivity and trade-dependent food supply resilience. The findings on dietary intervention effectiveness are relevant to UK food policy and climate mitigation strategies.
Key measures
Percentage of croplands and grasslands at risk from water availability changes; regional vulnerability patterns; policy intervention effects on land pressures
Outcomes reported
The study quantified the proportion of global croplands (11%) and grasslands (10%) vulnerable to declining water availability under future scenarios, and evaluated policy interventions including dietary change and food waste reduction to mitigate land loss and food insecurity.
Topic tags
Dig deeper with Pulse AI.
Pulse AI has read the whole catalogue. Ask about this record, its theme, or how the findings apply to UK farming and policy — every answer cites the underlying studies.