Global warming, but so what? The data on its impact is still uncertain and contradictory. USA's Environment Protection Agency commissioned a study which involved 50 scientists from around the world for three years. The scientists found that the total cereal production by 2060 could be 1 per cent to 7 per cent less than what it otherwise would be, depending upon which of the three models of climate change is used to simulate global warming. Under all three models, poor countries will fare worse than rich temperate countries.

Crop scientists at the International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines, however, say that the greenhouse effect could actually bring about a new green revolution. Initial data from Japan, China and North and South Koreas show this clearly. But IRRI also agrees that the impact on tropical countries would be adverse as global warming could lead to new diseases, higher plant respiration and lower yields.