The widely-consumed fruit, the banana, is at risk due to the global climate crisis, as indicated by recent investigations.

The climate crisis is jeopardizing the future of the world’s most popular fruit, with almost two-thirds of banana-growing regions in Latin America and the Caribbean expected to no longer be suitable for cultivating the fruit by 2080, according to recent research. Rising temperatures, extreme weather conditions, and climate-related pests are significantly impacting banana-producing countries such as Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Colombia, resulting in reduced yields and devastating effects on rural communities in the region. Bananas are the most consumed fruit globally and the fourth most important food crop after wheat, rice, and maize, with approximately 80% of bananas grown globally intended for local consumption and over 400 million people relying on the fruit for 15% to 27% of their daily calories. The majority of banana exports, which supply supermarkets worldwide, come from Latin America and the Caribbean, a region particularly vulnerable to extreme weather and climate-related disasters. The crop is threatened by human-induced climate change, which endangers not only a vital food source but also the livelihoods of communities contributing minimally to greenhouse gas emissions responsible for global heating. Climate change has negatively impacted banana growers, such as 53-year-old Aurelia Pop Xo from Guatemala, as her plantation has been dying due to damaged crops. The cavendish variety of banana, particularly sensitive to temperature and water changes and lacking genetic variation, is susceptible to rapidly changing climate conditions. Additionally, fungal diseases fueled by the climate crisis are decimating crops and livelihoods, further exasperating the problem. Christian Aid is urging wealthy nations responsible for the climate crisis to transition away from fossil fuels and fulfill their financial obligations to assist communities in adapting to the changing climate.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/may/12/climate-crisis-threatens-the-banana-the-worlds-most-popular-fruit-research-shows