Could reduced air pollution from climate mitigation boost crop yields and lower hunger risk?

A new multi‑model study shows that meeting the 1.5 °C climate target by slashing air pollutants could unintentionally lift global hunger risk by 17% (≈56 million people) by 2050, as the loss of aerosol‑induced cooling outweighs health gains. The research highlights a critical trade‑off: cleaner air improves public health, but the resulting temperature rise may depress staple crop yields unless paired with aggressive agricultural adaptation.