In the Belgian province of Limburg, scientists are conducting a unique experiment to understand how climate change will affect pear farming in the future. They have set up 12 transparent domes in an orchard to simulate weather conditions expected in 2040. These conditions include more frequent heatwaves, irregular rainfall leading to droughts and floods, and overall higher temperatures. The goal of this experiment is to study how global warming will impact pear production in Europe, especially since extreme weather has already challenged fruit growers. Early results from the 2023 harvest suggest that while Belgian pears might escape severe damage, the ecosystem is showing signs of change, such as an earlier growing season. This could affect the way the ecosystem absorbs CO2 and other environmental factors.

This three-year study will look into the effects of the simulated 2040 climate on pear growth. Researchers are analyzing this year’s harvest at the Flanders Centre of Postharvest Technology. They are comparing pears grown in future conditions to those grown under current climate conditions, focusing on their size, firmness, and sugar content. Initial findings suggest that pears grown in warmer conditions are softer and sweeter, which may shorten their shelf life and hurt sales for farmers. Recently, Belgian pear production has declined by 27% due to unusual weather, including an early bloom and a late frost.