Climate change brought negative consequences for rural areas, generating a significant decline in crops. The decreases lead to food insecurity in rural communities. The extreme drought the past few years and the nonuse of drip irrigation affected the harvest and threaten food security. The impact of climate change is more visible on women and children from rural areas. The major dangers generated by climate change were addressed in the framework of the project “Impact of climate change is more visible on women from rural areas” which was implemented by the Association “Women for a Contemporary Society”.

In a news conference hosted by IPN, Veronica Lupu, head of the Association “Women for a Contemporary Society” and project director, said the project was designed to discuss climate change, the effects of climate change in the Republic of Moldova, the impact and the persons who are vulnerable in this regard. “Emphasis was placed on an important number of persons – 25 women from rural areas. We aimed to reach women who are interested, skilled, are representatives of NGOs and of state institutions,” stated Veronica Lupu.

Maria Kuleshov, expert of the project, said that climate change is one of the most serious threats faced by society in the 21st century and its impact is felt not only in Moldova, but all over the world, primarily in rural areas. The rise in temperatures affects agricultural production in rural areas. The declines in crops lead to food insecurity in many rural communities.

The World Bank estimates that the losses caused by climate change in agriculture amount to US$ 1 billion a year globally. This directly affects the incomes of the rural population and their capacity to support themselves financially.

Biodiversity loss is another problem caused by climate change. Climate change has a significant impact on biodiversity. As a result of climate change, different species were lost. Thirty years ago, fir trees, birches and a series of species of oak tree grew well in Moldova. Now, only one species can grow well by adjusting to the witnessed changes in temperatures.

Note: IPN News Agency offers the right of reply to persons who consider they were touched by the news items produced based on statements made by the organizers of the given news conference, including by facilitating the organization of another news conference in similar conditions.