Strategies to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions may increase food security because of reduced pollution, which negatively impacts food production, according to research findings featured in the journal Nature Food. The researchers indicated that the clean air strategy may help balance out the increased food prices caused by the climate policy actions.

In the research, scientists considered the impact of the climate mitigation policy and the reduced air pollution on the global agriculture sector until 2050. Although climate mitigation measures will increase agricultural production costs in some areas, improved yields due to less ground-level ozone pollution will benefit the supply of food products.

According to the estimation provided by the research team, the climate policies aimed at achieving the 1.5°C goal will put more than 56 million people at risk of hunger by mid-century. However, improvements in air quality would help prevent hunger for 8.4 million people, balancing out 15% of the projected rise.

Ground-level ozone forms when emissions from automobiles, industries, and power plants undergo chemical reactions with each other in sunlight. In contrast with the ozone layer present in the stratosphere, ground-level ozone harms crops as it decreases photosynthesis and growth rates of crops. Reduced levels of this pollutant help crops achieve increased yields.

Increased yields of crops contribute to better food supply and a decrease in food prices, especially in those regions where agricultural production faces challenges due to climatic changes, droughts, and poor soil quality.

The biggest improvements can be seen in Sub-Saharan Africa and India, as those regions suffer significantly from crop losses caused by the pollutant and face problems with food security. Researchers estimate that more than half of all global benefits in terms of food security in connection with reduced air pollution will take place in those regions.

Scientists analyzed data on climate, agriculture, and economy in order to estimate the effects of a reduction in emissions on food systems and compare them with the positive effects of decreased levels of ozone pollution.

The study reveals that efforts to cut down emissions of greenhouse gases have impacts other than curbing global warming. Better air quality could result in increased efficiency in agriculture without increasing the cost burden on food availability. However, the researchers point out that these benefits are limited in nature and cannot absolve any country from the need to ensure food security.