Table 2 Projected areas of unsuitability and suitability for maize by continent under current climate conditions and percentage of areas. Percentage values indicate changes in the suitability of areas under future projected climate from the current climate.

From: Global alterations in areas of suitability for maize production from climate change and using a mechanistic species distribution model (CLIMEX)

 

Current climate scenario

Percentage change in areas under a future projected climate scenario

Total area (106 km2)

Percentage

CSIRO

MIROC

2050

2100

2050

2100

EI = 0

EI > 1

EI = 0

EI > 1

EI > 1

EI > 1

EI > 1

EI > 1

Africa

11.28

18.55

37.8

62.2

−11

−36

−7

−29

Asia

28.81

15.88

64.5

35.5

4

7

4

11

Europe

1.82

8.10

18.3

81.7

11

16

10

14

North America

13.91

10.24

57.6

42.4

10

19

10

20

South America

4.07

13.69

22.9

77.1

−5

−43

−5

−43

Oceania*

4.25

3.82

52.7

47.3

−2

−30

−5

−10

  1. *Oceania = Australia and New Zealand.
  2. EI = 0 is unsuitable area. EI > 1 includes three suitable categories (marginal, medium and optimal).
  3. Note that these are the total suitable projected areas and not the actual areas under maize cultivation.