How climate change affects bananas

Rising temperatures stress bananas and as they become harder to grow due to extreme weather conditions, they will 400 million people who rely on them for a significant amount of their diet.

Bananas are produced in Latin America and the Carribean both of which are significantly affected by climate change. The presence of many coastal cities and communities being displaced is a massive way they are affected. In addition, sectors such as tourism and public health are impacted more than others.

Climate change also exacerbates or increases the risk of fungal infections in banana. Changing and more likely rainfall patterns also increase the risk of fungal infections within banana plants. One of the diseases is called Black Leaf Fungus. The risk of disease can cause lower yield which in turn will dramatically increase banana prices.

Published 5/17/2025