Extreme weather, rising temperatures and climate-related pests are posing a threat to banana producing regions, new data shows.

Currently Latin America and the Caribbean are responsible for 80% of banana exports which supply supermarkets around the world. However, a new report by international development charity Christian Aid highlights that 60% of the most suitable banana growing areas in that region could be lost by 2080 due to the climate crisis.

Bananas are the fourth most important food crop globally, after wheat, rice and maize. More than 400 million people rely on bananas for 15% to 27% of their daily calories.

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According to Christian Aid, bananas need a temperature range of between 15-35 degrees Celsius to thrive, but are also very sensitive to water shortages. Storms cause a big problem by shredding leaves, making it much harder for the crop to photosynthesise.

Fungal infections are also an increasing problem due to rising temperatures with one disease, Fusarium Tropical Race 4, causing the loss of entire plantations.

As a result, the development agency is warning world leaders that they “must not slip up” and is calling for emissions cuts.

It is also calling for banana growers and agricultural communities to receive targeted support from international climate finance funds to adapt to the changing conditions.

Christian Aid director of policy and campaigns Osai Ojigho said: “Bananas are not just the world’s favourite fruit, but they are also an essential food for millions of people. We need to wake up to the danger posed by climate change to this vital crop. The lives and livelihoods of people who have done nothing to cause the climate crisis are already under threat.

“As part of the Paris Agreement, countries will this year countries submit new national climate action plans which will update their emissions reductions targets. This is a huge opportunity for countries to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels to clean energy whilst also ensuring climate finance reaches people in desperate need of it. World leaders must not slip up.”