Will bananas become a luxury? Climate scientists raise the alarm.

Bananas are at risk due to climate change

A recent study shows that bananas, the world's most popular fruit, are at risk due to climate change. Global warming could lead to about 66% of the land used for banana cultivation in Latin America and the Caribbean becoming unsuitable for agriculture by 2080.

According to a report by Christian Aid, rising temperatures, natural disasters, and the spread of pests will hit banana-exporting countries such as Colombia, Guatemala, and Costa Rica. Bananas are important not only because of their demand but also because they are part of the daily diet for over 400 million people.

It is noted that the irony is that the countries that grow bananas will suffer the most damage, while the main culprits of the climate crisis are the states that do not produce them.

The main variety of bananas, Cavendish, is very sensitive to climatic conditions. It requires specific temperatures and conditions to grow. Climate change also facilitates the spread of diseases that can reduce banana yields. For example, black Sigatoka can decrease the ability of bananas to photosynthesize by as much as 80%.

All these factors have already caused an increase in banana prices globally, particularly in Ukraine. In March, banana prices in the capital's supermarkets rose significantly.