What is one challenge associated with cotton farming in regard to climate change?

One significant challenge associated with cotton farming in relation to climate change is the increased risk of pests and diseases. As climate patterns shift, including temperature and precipitation changes, the ecosystems in which cotton plants grow also transform, creating favorable conditions for various pests and pathogens. Warmer temperatures can extend the growing seasons for these pests, leading to more generations and higher populations. Additionally, changes in rainfall patterns can stress cotton plants, making them more susceptible to diseases. This necessitates greater management efforts and potentially increased use of pesticides, which can further complicate farming practices and impact sustainability.

The other options, while relevant to agricultural challenges, do not directly address the specific impacts of climate change on cotton farming as emphatically as the increased risk of pests and diseases does.