Drought Fuels Wheat Price Surge Amid Rising Temperatures

A new study has found a strong connection between drought in wheat-growing regions and global wheat prices. Researchers analyzed climate observations, crop geography, global commodity prices, and climate-model simulations to understand this link.

The study focuses on wheat due to its importance in the global food system. Wheat is grown across more land than either rice or maize, is a major source of calories and protein, and is one of the most internationally traded agricultural commodities.

According to the study, 3°C of warming could triple average wheat prices relative to 2010. This connection between drought and global wheat prices may become increasingly important as the planet warms.