Impact of climate change on plant productivity and ecosystem sustainability: challenges and solutions

Abstract

Climate change indeed can be termed as one of the most important challenges people face nowadays with vast influence on plant productivity and environmental sustainability. An intensive account of multifaceted aspects of climate change by briefly describing some key drivers associated with greenhouse gas emissions, global warming, and increased frequencies of extreme climate. Here, it is underlined how the understanding of these phenomena can help in addressing their cascading effects on global ecosystems and agricultural systems. The climate changes influence plant productivity in a very complex manner. Rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns influence plant growth, crop yields, and food security. This further adds to increasing pest and disease prevalence with stress on natural resources and ultimately challenges the resilience of agriculture and natural ecosystems. Further details on impacts regarding biodiversity are discussed by highlighting species extinctions across marine, freshwater, and terrestrial environments. However, special focus is on aspects like ocean acidification and habitat transformations, which speak of vulnerability at the ecosystem level against climatic change. The chapter considers mitigation and adaptation strategies from high-tech innovations to sustainable farming practices and then large-scale policy initiatives for dealing with the above imperatives. A mix of case studies is used to illustrate examples of real-world interventions that have been executed in other parts of the globe, critically appraising how governance may benefit the implementation of climate-resilient policies. This chapter provides a glimpse of what the future may be if such emerging solutions continue in their implementation: carbon capture technology, reforestation schemes, and international cooperation on climate change. By combining scientific knowledge with practical actions, this chapter helps readers gain the information and tools to contribute to a sustainable and resilient future. © 2025 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.