A new analysis by Cotton 2040 warns, 50 per cent of the world’s cotton growing regions will face high temperatures, water scarcity and extreme weather events by 2049. The report was commissioned by the Cotton 2040, an initiative facilitated by Forum for the Future and supported by Laudes Foundation. The Cotton 2040 initiative urges cotton-dependent companies to improve climate adaptation and mitigation across the value chain. They also need to prioritize de-carbonization to limit the impact of changing climates, it says.

The report finds 40 per cent cotton-growing regions will experience a dip in cotton cultivation due to an increase in temperature. These include the six highest cotton-producing countries: India, the US, China, Brazil, Pakistan and Turkey. The report says, 20 per cent of global cotton-growing regions will be exposed to increased flooding risk by 2040 while 30 per cent will be exposed to increased landslide risks. Additionally, 60 per cent will be exposed to increased risk of damaging wind speeds and 10 per cent will be exposed to storms. All regions will be exposed to increased cases of wildfires.