With forecasts predicting a hotter-than-average summer in 2025, UK growers are facing increasing challenges posed by climate change.
A recent report from Severe Weather Europe indicates that the coming summer, particularly from mid-season onward, is expected to be drier than usual, with an above-normal risk of heatwaves. These shifting weather patterns underscore the growing importance of controlled-environment agriculture in safeguarding food production.
Extreme heat poses a significant threat to crops, disrupting growth cycles, reducing photosynthesis efficiency, damaging plant tissues, and exacerbating water stress. Additionally, high temperatures can accelerate ripening and spoilage, leading to substantial post-harvest losses. As outdoor farming becomes more susceptible to unpredictable weather conditions, greenhouses equipped with advanced climate control systems offer a crucial solution.
"Outdoor crops are extremely vulnerable to changing weather conditions, whether that's heavy rainfall or scorching temperatures. Maintaining consistent growing conditions under glass is a fail-safe way to achieve thriving crops and prevent damage during heatwaves," says Krzysztof Hernik, Managing Director at Tomtech, a UK leader in greenhouse monitoring and control systems.
Greenhouse technologies allow growers to regulate key environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, light, carbon dioxide, pH, and nutrient levels. By closely monitoring and optimising these conditions, farmers can enhance yield quality, reduce losses, and improve resource efficiency, even in extreme weather conditions.
As climate change accelerates, investments in greenhouse infrastructure and climate control technology are expected to rise. Growers across the UK and Europe are increasingly adopting controlled-environment farming to mitigate risks posed by rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns.
"As global warming continues to bring rising temperatures across the UK and Europe, creating a consistent growing environment will be more important than ever. As such, we expect even further investment in greenhouse control technology to shield crops from rising temperatures. Growing under controlled conditions is the ideal way to future-proof global crop production," Hernik concludes.
With the summer of 2025 set to test the resilience of UK agriculture, adopting innovative climate management solutions will be key to ensuring stable yields and sustainable food production in an era of climate uncertainty.
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