Yellowstone supervolcano eruption could trigger global famine, climate scientist warns

US climate scientist Kristina Dahl, vice president at the Climate Center, has warned that a potential eruption of the Yellowstone supervolcano could lead to a global famine, noting that such an event could destroy crops and cause widespread hunger around the world.

On July 3, a 3.3-magnitude earthquake struck near the Yellowstone volcano's caldera—the strongest tremor recorded there this year—following 11 weaker quakes. Recent estimates suggest the volcano may be closer to erupting than previously thought.

Dahl told RIA Novosti that major volcanic eruptions in the past, such as the Tambora eruption, have damaged crops and caused famines across several continents.

She noted that while the global food system is now more interconnected, sudden climate changes still pose a serious threat to agriculture.

Dahl added that rapid climate shifts can impact crop yields, citing the 2010 heatwave and drought in Russia, which resulted in significant agricultural losses.

Yellowstone has experienced three massive eruptions over the past 2.1 million years. According to the US Geological Survey, there are currently no signs of an imminent eruption, and the likelihood remains extremely low.