Latest news with #UnitedNations'FoodandAgricultureOrganization
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
World's second most consumed beverage faces impacts from climate change
The world's second-most consumed beverage faces a potentially complicated future as climate change increasingly reshapes growing regions of Camellia sinensis - the plant responsible for producing tea. Every day, around 5 billion cups of the beverage are consumed, making it a staple around the globe, but a recent study warns that by 2025, more than half of the world's top 20 tea-producing countries may experience a reduction in land deemed suitable for cultivation. Researchers say that vital growing regions could lose their growing viability due to changing temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns and varying humidity levels. Climate change scenarios suggest that key growing regions may lose their suitability, potentially disrupting livelihoods and economies, for the most consumed beverage behind water. Countries such as Argentina, Malawi and Tanzania are expected to face the most significant losses in suitable tea-growing land, while regions in Turkey, Iran, Thailand and Rwanda may actually experience gains in cultivable terrain, due to evolving climate patterns. According to agricultural experts at Washington State University, optimal conditions for Camellia sinensis growth occur when relative humidity exceeds 75% and annual rainfall ranges between 50 and 100 inches. Some areas in eastern Africa and Asia are experiencing extended drought, with associated changes in humidity values, which impacts production levels. Dozens Of Bottles Of Cherries Found By Archeologists At The Home Of The United States' First President The United States is not considered to be a major producer of tea because of the climate and associated labor costs. Countries such as China, India, Kenya and Sri Lanka are the largest producers of the plant. According to the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization, over 60% of global tea is produced by small-scale farms, where the crop serves as the main source of income. The study evaluated nearly two dozen variables in primary growing areas, including precipitation patterns, changes in temperatures and soil acidity. Researchers cautioned that the data was based on a global scale and not meant for localized decision-making, which would require further studies. The drink's popularity stems not only from its cultural importance but also from its health impacts. According to the FAO, tea consumption has increased annually by more than 3%, due to its affordability and accessibility across all income groups. What Season Do Fruits And Vegetables Grow In? Black tea is the most widely consumed variety, followed by green, oolong, white and herbal varieties. Herbal teas are not made exclusively from the Camellia sinensis plant, meaning that more regions participate in the growing of elements such as peppermint and hibiscus. According to health experts at Harvard University, teas are a natural source of caffeine and rich in compounds known as polyphenols. Some studies have suggested that these plant-based nutrients may reduce inflammation and support heart health by reducing cardiovascular disease. The verdict is still out on whether hot teas provide a significant health benefit, as some research has found warm liquids may increase the risk of esophageal and stomach article source: World's second most consumed beverage faces impacts from climate change
Kuwait Times
27-05-2025
- General
- Kuwait Times
Due to war, under 5% of Gaza cropland useable for farming
GAZA: Palestinian farmers sort freshly harvested dates at their farm in Khan Yunis in this file photo. - AFP PARIS: Under five percent of Gaza's farmland is useable due to war, further exacerbating the risk of famine in the devastated Palestinian territory, the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization said Monday. Zionist entity has stepped up a renewed offensive to destroy Hamas in Gaza, drawing international condemnation as aid trickles in following a nearly three-month blockade that has sparked severe food and medical shortages. By the end of April, more than 80 percent of the farmland was damaged and 77.8 percent was no longer accessible, leaving barely 4.6 percent of potentially arable land, according to a new satellite assessment released by FAO. Some 688 hectares is all that remains for cultivation, according to the assessment. The situation is particularly critical in southern Gaza's Rafah and in some northern areas, where nearly all cropland is not accessible. 'With cropland, greenhouses, and wells destroyed, local food production has ground to a halt,' said Beth Bechdol, FAO deputy director-general. Before the start of the war, agriculture accounted for approximately 10 percent of Gaza's economy, with more than 560,000 people relying at least partially on farming, herding or fishing, FAO said. The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said on Sunday that at least 3,785 people had been killed in the territory since a ceasefire collapsed on March 18, taking the war's overall toll to 53,939, mostly civilians. — AFP
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Experts issue warning as devastating shocks fuel rise in food prices: 'Pushing families deeper into crisis'
Extreme climate conditions in Somalia are causing increased food crop failures and livestock deaths that are driving up food prices, India International Times reported. More Somalians are at risk of facing food insecurity and displacement in the coming months, "pushing families deeper into crisis," said Etienne Peterschmitt, head of the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization in Somalia, per IIT. As farmers in Japan, India, and South Africa have all experienced, drought conditions, followed by intense and erratic heavy rainfall, have proved quite difficult to farm in. These extreme weather events and the inconsistent water supply have led to reduced crop yields, increased livestock deaths, and increased agricultural production costs — a burden that is inevitably passed on to consumers. In Somalia, where more than half of the population lives below the poverty line — surviving on less than $2.06 per day, according to the 2023 Somalia Poverty Report — rising food prices put food out of reach for many. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification tool, a global food security tracker, estimates that 24% of the entire country has reached Phase 3, or a crisis stage. According to India International Times, IPC estimates that 1.7 million children aged 5 or under will suffer from acute malnutrition this year, with almost two-thirds of these cases occurring in southern Somalia. Rising global temperatures bring about heat stress and drought conditions that reduce crop yields, which could disrupt the food supply and raise food prices for the average consumer. As Americans have experienced with the massive hike in egg prices, consumers feel the strain of food price hikes on top of the increased cost of daily living. Crop losses due to extreme weather events exacerbate Somalia's food insecurity, causing food prices to remain high and forcing more people to go hungry. These events have also impaired crucial water and sanitation services and infrastructures, causing more waterborne diseases, including diarrhea and cholera. While you may not be able to directly affect what's happening in Somalia, you can still effect positive change from where you are. If you have extra time and want to give back, volunteer at food banks and co-ops that feed the community. Donate nonperishable food to organizations that work to fight food insecurity. Do you worry about how much food you throw away? Definitely Sometimes Not really Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. If you feel inclined to contribute monetarily, find a nonprofit organization that actively addresses the food crisis and water and sanitation problems that Somalia is facing. Find one that not only addresses the country's immediate concerns but also invests in the country's future, such as having initiatives that empower women to create a brighter future for themselves and their families. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
See - Sada Elbalad
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
Majida El Roumi to Perform Live at Beirut Holidays Festival 2025
Yara Sameh Iconic Lebanese soprano Majida El Roumi will perform live at the Beirut Holidays Festival 2025 in Lebanon, on Tuesday, July 8. She is set to present several of her masterpieces. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Majida El Roumi (@majidaelroumi) The iconic singer was born on December 13, 1956, in Kfarshima village, Lebanon. She is the daughter of the Lebanese musician Halim El Roumi. The soprano participated in the talent show 'Studio El Fan in 1974' after she sneaked out of the house with her brother and cousins, where she won the gold medal for oriental singing. Her success prompted her father to change his mind and give her his blessings to pursue a music career as long as she continues her higher education. In 1975, El Roumi released her first single 'Am Behlamak' and her first studio album 'Wadaa' in 1976. She made her acting debut in the Egyptian renowned director Youssef Chahine's film 'Awdat Al Ibn Al Dal' (The Return of the Prodigal Son). In 2001, the soprano was appointed an ambassador for the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and named in 2013 an ambassador of the 'Alam Sagheer' (Small World) program, along with Titanic actor and producer Billy Zane, dedicated to education without borders. In 2014, El Roumi made history as the first Middle East Humanitarian Ambassador of Bulgari. read more New Tourism Route To Launch in Old Cairo Ahmed El Sakka-Led Play 'Sayidati Al Jamila' to Be Staged in KSA on Dec. 6 Mandy Moore Joins Season 2 of "Dr. Death" Anthology Series Don't Miss These Movies at 44th Cairo Int'l Film Festival Today Amr Diab to Headline KSA's MDLBEAST Soundstorm 2022 Festival Arts & Culture Mai Omar Stuns in Latest Instagram Photos Arts & Culture "The Flash" to End with Season 9 Arts & Culture Ministry of Culture Organizes four day Children's Film Festival Arts & Culture Canadian PM wishes Muslims Eid-al-Adha News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers Lifestyle Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War
The Star
06-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Mexico agriculture minister says reached 'beneficial' agreements with US counterpart
Former regional head of the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization, Julio Berdegue, who will head the Mexico's agriculture ministry in the incoming government , poses for a photo during an interview with Reuters, in Mexico City, Mexico June 28, 2024. REUTERS/Paola Garcia/File Photo MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexican Agriculture Minister Julio Berdegue said on Tuesday he met his U.S. counterpart Brooke Rollins in a "friendly" meeting in Washington during which they reached agreements he said would be beneficial to both countries. Berdegue, who did not offer details about the agreements in his post on X, said the two countries would increase dialogue for ongoing and emerging issues. Relations have been strained between the two countries recently over the handling of a damaging pest called New World screwworm after the U.S. threatened to limit cattle imports from Mexico. Screwworm can infest livestock, wildlife and in rare cases, people. Maggots from screwworm flies burrow into the skin of living animals, causing serious and often fatal damage. Trade frictions have also surfaced between the two trading partners over a decades-old water sharing treaty under which Mexico has struggled to deliver on its obligations. Last week, both governments announced an agreement that Mexico would increase its water shipments, which the U.S. has said are vital for Texas farmers. (Reporting by Cassandra Garrison; Editing by Natalia Siniawksi)
