Effects of Climate Change on Global Food Systems – IELTS Reading Practice

The IELTS Reading section evaluates your ability to understand and interpret texts on a range of topics. One prominent and ever-relevant topic is the “Effects Of Climate Change On Global Food Systems.” This theme has appeared in various forms in past IELTS exams and is likely to be featured again due to its significance in today’s world. Understanding how climate change impacts agriculture, fisheries, and food security is crucial.

In this article, we will create a sample IELTS Reading practice test, provide questions aligned with real exam formats, and offer detailed answer explanations. This practice will help you tackle similar questions effectively in your IELTS Reading exam.

IELTS Reading Practice Test

Reading Passage: Effects of Climate Change on Global Food Systems

Medium Text

Climate change is a pressing issue that has far-reaching implications on global food systems. As temperatures rise, weather patterns become more erratic, and sea levels increase, the productivity and distribution of food are significantly impacted. Agriculture, fisheries, and livestock are all affected, which in turn influences food security and prices globally.

Agriculture is particularly vulnerable to climate change. Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can affect crop yields, potentially reducing the availability of key staples like wheat, rice, and maize. For instance, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has highlighted that a 1-degree Celsius increase in temperature could result in a 7% decline in crop yields. Extreme weather events such as floods and droughts further exacerbate these challenges, leading to soil degradation and reduced arable land.

Fisheries are not immune to the effects of climate change either. Warmer ocean temperatures and acidification impact marine ecosystems, leading to shifts in fish populations. Fisheries dependent on species like cod and tuna are already observing changes in fish metabolism and migratory patterns, which affect both the fishing industry and local communities reliant on these resources for food.

Moreover, livestock production also faces threats from climate change. Heat stress can reduce animal productivity and increase susceptibility to disease. This not only affects meat, milk, and egg production but also undermines the livelihoods of many rural communities.

The broader impacts on food systems are multifaceted. With declining crop yields and fish stocks, food prices are likely to rise, increasing the risk of food insecurity, particularly in developing countries. Malnutrition could become more prevalent as food becomes scarce and less affordable. Additionally, the need for resilient agricultural practices and sustainable fishing methods becomes more urgent.

Adaptation strategies are essential to mitigate these impacts. Agronomic research focuses on developing drought-resistant crop varieties and improving soil management techniques. In fisheries, implementing sustainable practices and better management of fish stocks is crucial. Likewise, in livestock farming, improving animal welfare standards and developing heat-tolerant breeds can help maintain productivity.

In conclusion, the effects of climate change on global food systems are profound and necessitate a comprehensive response. By adopting sustainable practices and innovative solutions, it is possible to enhance the resilience of food systems and ensure food security for future generations.

Questions

Section 1: Multiple Choice

1. According to the passage, what percentage decline in crop yields does a 1-degree Celsius increase in temperature potentially cause?

   • A. 7%
   • B. 5%
   • C. 10%
   • D. 15%

2. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as an impact of climate change on fisheries?

   • A. Changes in fish metabolism
   • B. Shifts in fish populations
   • C. Increased fish catches
   • D. Altered migratory patterns

Section 2: Identifying Information (True/False/Not Given)

3. The IPCC report mentions that changing precipitation patterns do not affect crop yields.

   • A. True
   • B. False
   • C. Not Given

4. Improved animal welfare standards are cited as a potential adaptation strategy in livestock farming.

   • A. True
   • B. False
   • C. Not Given

Section 3: Matching Headings

5. Match the following headings with the appropriate paragraphs.

   • i. Threats to Agriculture

   • ii. Climate Change in Fisheries

   • iii. Broader Impacts on Food Security

   • iv. Adaptation Strategies

   • Paragraph 2:

   • Paragraph 3:

   • Paragraph 4:

   • Paragraph 5:

Section 4: Summary Completion

6. Complete the summary below using words from the reading passage.

   Climate change impacts food systems by altering and patterns, reducing crop and fish , and increasing food .

Answer Key

Multiple Choice:

1. A. 7% – The passage states, “a 1-degree Celsius increase in temperature could result in a 7% decline in crop yields.”
2. C. Increased fish catches – The passage mentions changes in fish metabolism, shifts in fish populations, and altered migratory patterns, but not increased fish catches.

Identifying Information:

3. B. False – The passage discusses how changing precipitation patterns can affect crop yields, indicating that the IPCC report does consider this a factor.
4. A. True – The passage mentions improving animal welfare standards as part of adaptation strategies in livestock farming.

Matching Headings:

5. • Paragraph 2: i. Threats to Agriculture
   • Paragraph 3: ii. Climate Change in Fisheries
   • Paragraph 4: iii. Broader Impacts on Food Security
   • Paragraph 5: iv. Adaptation Strategies

Summary Completion:

6. Climate change impacts food systems by altering temperature and precipitation patterns, reducing crop and fish yields, and increasing food prices.

Common Mistakes and Tips

• Misinterpreting Key Data: Always read numerical data and percentages carefully. Misinterpreting statistics can lead to incorrect answers.
• Missing Keywords: Pay attention to keywords like “potentially,” “could,” and “may,” which indicate possibilities rather than certainties.
• Review Vocabulary: Understanding specific vocabulary related to climate change (e.g., “precipitation,” “metabolism,” “acidification”) is crucial for comprehension.
• Practice Summarizing: Improve your summarizing skills to efficiently complete summary completion tasks.

Vocabulary

• Productivity (n.): /ˌprɒdʌkˈtɪvɪti/ – The efficiency at which products are produced.
• Erratic (adj.): /ɪˈrætɪk/ – Irregular or unpredictable.
• Arable (adj.): /ˈærəbəl/ – Suitable for growing crops.
• Metabolism (n.): /məˈtæbəlɪzəm/ – The chemical processes that occur within a living organism in order to maintain life.
• Acidification (n.): /əˌsɪdɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/ – The process of becoming acid or more acidic.

Climate Change Impact on Food Systems

Grammar Focus

Conditional Sentences Type I

Structure: If + present simple, will + base verb
Example: If temperatures rise, crop yields will decline.

Passive Voice

Structure: Subject + be (in the correct tense) + past participle
Example: The productivity of food systems is significantly impacted by climate change.

Conclusion

To excel in the IELTS Reading section, practice is vital. Understanding the effects of climate change on global food systems is not only relevant for your exam but also for real-world implications. Familiarize yourself with the vocabulary, focus on key details, and practice different question types to achieve a high band score.

For more practice, you can explore related articles on our website, such as Effects of Climate Change on Agriculture Productivity and The Influence of Climate Change on Global Food Systems.

Happy studying, and good luck with your IELTS preparation!