Final answer:
Pests are one of the top causes of crop loss worldwide, with their impact intensified by pesticide resistance and difficulties in crop pest control. Climate change exacerbates this issue by altering environmental conditions and leading to more extreme weather events that affect agricultural productivity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The #1 cause of crop loss worldwide is a complex issue with multiple factors contributing to the degradation of crop yields. While droughts, floods, and diseases all play significant roles in affecting agricultural production, pests are considered one of the top causes of crop loss. Pests can lead to substantial damage and losses in agricultural productivity. The impact of pests is exacerbated by issues such as pesticide resistance and the challenges of crop pest control. Climate change also plays a crucial role by altering environmental conditions, leading to extreme weather events like droughts, which not only directly affect crops but also contribute to secondary effects such as desertification and changes in pest populations that can further damage crops.
Hunger and the loss of agricultural goods, such as crops, are directly influenced by natural conditions and human-induced factors. In the context of climate change, notable increases in global temperatures and sea levels are predicted, which will lead to more intense and frequent extreme weather events. This will have a significant impact on agricultural production, food security, and issues such as habitat loss, soil degradation, and the spread of diseases carried by insects. These changes are alarming, as indicated by historical precedents like the Dust Bowl, which was caused by a combination of overcultivation, poor irrigation techniques, and unfavorable weather conditions.