For a graphic look at the problems climate change may bring, particularly for Africa and the Middle East, take a look at Population Action International's new set of online interactive world maps, Mapping Population and Climate.
The maps, which track expected changes through 2020 and 2080 in temperature, rainfall, soil moisture, agricultural production, population levels and overall resistance to climate change, show a dramatic decline in agricultural production in much of Africa and the Middle East by 2080, even as the regions see some of the highest rates of population growth in the world.
South Asia also will see worrisome declines in agriculture production by 2080, the maps suggest, though population growth in the already heavily populated region will not be as significant.
The maps are based on data drawn from U.N. population reports, crop modeling by the Goddard Institute for Space Studies, research from the U.S.-based National Center for Atmospheric Studies and other reports.
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