Mastering IELTS Reading: Effects Of Climate Change On Global Food Security

The IELTS Reading section is a crucial component of the test, assessing your ability to comprehend complex texts and extract relevant information. Today, we’ll focus on a topic that has been increasingly prevalent in recent years: the Effects Of Climate Change On Global Food Security. This subject has appeared in various forms in past IELTS exams and, given its ongoing relevance, is likely to resurface in future tests.

Based on our analysis of past IELTS exams and current global trends, we predict that this topic will continue to be a popular choice for Reading passages. Its multifaceted nature allows for a wide range of question types and challenges test-takers to demonstrate their understanding of complex environmental and socioeconomic issues.

Let’s dive into a practice Reading passage on this subject, followed by a comprehensive breakdown of questions, answers, and strategies to help you excel in your IELTS preparation.

Practice Reading Passage

Climate Change and Food Security: A Global Challenge

A. Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, with far-reaching consequences for every aspect of human life. Among these, its impact on global food security is particularly concerning. As temperatures rise and weather patterns become more unpredictable, agricultural systems worldwide are facing unprecedented challenges that threaten the stability of food production and distribution.

B. One of the primary ways climate change affects food security is through its impact on crop yields. Rising temperatures can lead to heat stress in plants, reducing their productivity and overall yield. For example, a study by the International Food Policy Research Institute suggests that by 2050, climate change could cause a 17% decrease in global wheat production, a staple food for billions of people. Additionally, changes in precipitation patterns can result in either too much or too little water for crops, leading to flooding or drought conditions that further compromise agricultural output.

C. The effects of climate change on food security extend beyond crop production. Fisheries, another crucial source of food and livelihoods for millions, are also at risk. Ocean acidification, caused by increased absorption of carbon dioxide, threatens marine ecosystems and the fish populations they support. A report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) indicates that climate change could lead to a decrease in global fish catch by up to 12% by 2050, primarily affecting tropical regions where many developing countries are located.

D. Climate change also exacerbates existing inequalities in food distribution and access. Developing countries, particularly those in Africa and South Asia, are likely to be hit hardest by climate-induced food insecurity. These regions often lack the infrastructure and resources to adapt to changing environmental conditions, making their populations more vulnerable to food shortages and price fluctuations. The World Bank estimates that climate change could push an additional 100 million people into extreme poverty by 2030, with food insecurity being a significant contributing factor.

E. The impact of climate change on global food security is not just a future concern; it’s already manifesting in various ways. Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, floods, and prolonged droughts, have become more frequent and intense, causing significant damage to agricultural lands and disrupting food supply chains. For instance, the 2019-2020 locust swarms in East Africa, exacerbated by unusual weather patterns linked to climate change, devastated crops and pastures, threatening the food security of millions.

F. Addressing the challenge of climate change and food security requires a multifaceted approach. Adaptation strategies, such as developing drought-resistant crop varieties and implementing water-efficient irrigation systems, are crucial for maintaining agricultural productivity in changing conditions. Simultaneously, mitigation efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are essential for limiting the long-term impacts of climate change on food systems.

G. International cooperation plays a vital role in tackling this global issue. Initiatives like the Paris Agreement aim to limit global temperature increase and support developing countries in building resilience to climate impacts. Additionally, organizations such as the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP) work to enhance food security in the world’s poorest countries through targeted investments in agriculture and rural development.

H. As the world grapples with the complex relationship between climate change and food security, it’s clear that urgent action is needed. The choices made today in agriculture, energy policy, and international cooperation will have profound implications for the future of global food security. By addressing climate change and its impacts on food systems, we can work towards ensuring a stable and sustainable food supply for generations to come.

Climate change impact on global food security

Questions

True/False/Not Given

Do the following statements agree with the information given in the Reading Passage? Write

TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this

Climate change is expected to increase global wheat production by 2050.
Ocean acidification poses a threat to marine ecosystems and fish populations.
Developed countries are more vulnerable to climate-induced food insecurity than developing countries.
The locust swarms in East Africa in 2019-2020 were linked to climate change.
The Paris Agreement focuses solely on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Matching Headings

Match the following headings to the correct paragraphs in the passage. Write the correct letter, A-H, next to numbers 6-10 below.

Current manifestations of climate change on food security
The disproportionate impact on developing nations
Global initiatives to address climate change and food security
The dual approach of adaptation and mitigation
Climate change’s effect on fisheries

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.

According to the passage, which of the following is NOT mentioned as a way climate change affects crop yields?

A. Heat stress in plants
B. Changes in precipitation patterns
C. Increased pest resistance
D. Flooding or drought conditions

The World Bank estimates that climate change could:

A. Reduce global fish catch by 12% by 2050
B. Push an additional 100 million people into extreme poverty by 2030
C. Decrease global wheat production by 17% by 2050
D. Cause a 17% decrease in global crop yields by 2050

Which of the following is described as a strategy for adapting to climate change’s impact on food security?

A. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
B. Developing drought-resistant crop varieties
C. Implementing the Paris Agreement
D. Enhancing international trade agreements

Answer Key and Explanations

FALSE
Explanation: The passage states that “climate change could cause a 17% decrease in global wheat production,” not an increase.
TRUE
Explanation: Paragraph C mentions that “Ocean acidification, caused by increased absorption of carbon dioxide, threatens marine ecosystems and the fish populations they support.”
FALSE
Explanation: The passage states that “Developing countries, particularly those in Africa and South Asia, are likely to be hit hardest by climate-induced food insecurity.”
TRUE
Explanation: Paragraph E mentions that the 2019-2020 locust swarms in East Africa were “exacerbated by unusual weather patterns linked to climate change.”
NOT GIVEN
Explanation: While the Paris Agreement is mentioned, the passage does not specify that it focuses solely on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
E
Explanation: Paragraph E discusses current manifestations of climate change on food security, including extreme weather events and the locust swarms in East Africa.
D
Explanation: Paragraph D focuses on how climate change exacerbates inequalities and disproportionately affects developing countries.
G
Explanation: Paragraph G discusses international cooperation and initiatives like the Paris Agreement and GAFSP.
F
Explanation: Paragraph F outlines the need for both adaptation strategies and mitigation efforts to address climate change and food security.
C
Explanation: Paragraph C specifically discusses the effects of climate change on fisheries and marine ecosystems.
C
Explanation: The passage mentions heat stress, changes in precipitation, and flooding/drought as effects on crop yields, but does not mention increased pest resistance.
B
Explanation: The passage states that “The World Bank estimates that climate change could push an additional 100 million people into extreme poverty by 2030.”
B
Explanation: Paragraph F mentions “developing drought-resistant crop varieties” as an adaptation strategy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Misinterpreting statistics: Pay close attention to numbers and percentages mentioned in the passage. For example, don’t confuse the 17% decrease in wheat production with other statistics mentioned.
Overlooking specific details: In questions like True/False/Not Given, it’s crucial to identify precisely what the passage states. For instance, the question about the Paris Agreement requires careful reading to avoid assuming information not explicitly provided.
Failing to match headings accurately: When matching headings, ensure you understand the main idea of each paragraph and don’t be misled by individual sentences that may seem to fit a heading.
Choosing multiple choice answers based on partial information: Read all options carefully and select the one that most comprehensively matches the information in the passage.

Vocabulary

Unprecedented (adjective) – /ʌnˈpresɪdentɪd/: Never known or done before
Example: The rapid rate of climate change is causing unprecedented challenges for agriculture.
Exacerbate (verb) – /ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪt/: Make (a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling) worse
Example: Climate change exacerbates existing inequalities in food distribution.
Resilience (noun) – /rɪˈzɪliəns/: The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness
Example: Developing countries need to build resilience to climate impacts.
Mitigation (noun) – /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃn/: The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something
Example: Mitigation efforts are essential for limiting the long-term impacts of climate change.
Multifaceted (adjective) – /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/: Having many different aspects or features
Example: Addressing climate change and food security requires a multifaceted approach.

Grammar Focus

Complex sentences with dependent clauses:

“As temperatures rise and weather patterns become more unpredictable, agricultural systems worldwide are facing unprecedented challenges.”

Structure: [Dependent clause], [Independent clause]

This sentence uses two dependent clauses joined by “and” to provide context for the main independent clause. It’s an effective way to show cause and effect relationships.

“By addressing climate change and its impacts on food systems, we can work towards ensuring a stable and sustainable food supply for generations to come.”

Structure: [By + gerund phrase], [Independent clause]

This sentence uses a gerund phrase introduced by “By” to show how a particular action (addressing climate change) leads to a desired outcome (ensuring food supply).

Tips for IELTS Reading Success

Time management: Practice with timed reading exercises to improve your speed and efficiency.
Skimming and scanning: Develop these skills to quickly identify key information in the passage.
Vocabulary building: Regularly learn new words and phrases related to common IELTS topics like climate change and food security.
Practice active reading: Engage with the text by asking questions and making mental notes as you read.
Familiarize yourself with question types: Understanding the various IELTS question formats will help you approach them more strategically.
Don’t rely on prior knowledge: Base your answers solely on the information provided in the passage.
Check your answers: If time allows, review your answers to catch any careless mistakes.

By focusing on these strategies and regularly practicing with passages like the one above, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the IELTS Reading section with confidence. Remember, success in IELTS Reading comes from a combination of strong language skills, effective time management, and familiarity with the test format.

For more information on related topics, you might find these articles helpful:

Good luck with your IELTS preparation!

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