Consequences of climate change on food-energy-water systems in arid regions without agricultural adaptation, analyzed using FEWCalc and DSSAT

Effects of a changing climate on agricultural system productivity are poorly understood, and likely to be met with as yet undefined adaptations by farmers associated business governmental entities. The continued vitality systems depends economic conditions that support farmers’ livelihoods. Exploring the long-term effects requires modeling engage stakeholders upon whom burden any adaptation will rest. Here, we use new freeware model FEWCalc (Food-Energy-Water Calculator) project farm incomes based climate, crop selection, irrigation practices, water availability, adding renewable energy production. Thus, addresses United Nations Global Sustainability Goals No Hunger Affordable Clean Energy. future scenario impacts production simulated when current practices continue so no enabled. Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) added arid-region dynamics is used simulate dynamics. Demonstrations at site in midwest USA 2008–2017 historical data two 2018–2098 RCP scenarios provide an initial quantification increased challenges under change, such reduced yields financial losses. Results show how this finding largely driven increasing temperatures changed distribution precipitation throughout year. Without effective technological advances operational policy changes, simulations rural areas could increasingly depend economically local energy, while from arid regions declines 50% or more.