China could lose 35% of its cropland by 2100, according to a new study published in Science China Earth Sciences journal. Researchers warn that agricultural land, particularly in key grain-producing areas, will be converted into wetlands or forests. This raises concerns about food security and highlights the need for stronger cropland protection policies.
The study also predicts major land shifts in southern and coastal regions, with wetlands expanding along the eastern coastline. Even if countries fully meet the Paris Agreement targets, China’s high-density cropland could shrink by nearly half. Scientists stress that, to mitigate these effects, nations must strengthen emission reduction targets before 2030 and accelerate decarbonization efforts.
Countries at high flood risk often face a mix of geographical, climatic, and infrastructural challenges. Low-lying nations like Bangladesh and the Netherlands are threatened by proximity to rivers and seas, while countries like India and Vietnam endure annual monsoon flooding. Additionally, rapid urbanization and deforestation worsen flood impact in places such as Brazil and Nigeria. These floods often cause large-scale displacement, property damage, and fatalities.
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