Projected impacts of global warming on the production and qualities of hemp and flax plants and fibres: Toward adaptation strategies

Projected impacts of global warming on hemp and flax crops are examined based on potential changes in production volumes, yields, and geographic distribution, as well as the multifaceted qualities of bast fibres. More specifically, this work analyses current knowledge regarding the adaptation of hemp and flax to abiotic and subsequent biotic stresses, economic data, and strategies employed by farmers and stakeholders in the value chain. The analysis also emphasises on the perspective of end-users, particularly in relation to bio-based composites, and will outline our questions and perspectives for the future. The COP26, under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and its renewal at COP28, aims to limit temperature increases, with the goal of achieving net-zero GHG emissions by 2050. To meet this critical target, it is essential to adopt more sustainable materials and reduce reliance on petroleum-based products. Hemp and flax bio-based composites have received significant attention in recent decades due to their attractive attributes, including carbon sequestration, renewable carbon content, acceptable mechanical properties from an industrial perspective, superior end-of-life scenarios like biodegradability or recyclability, and abundance. Those current opinions are discussed, while also critically examining the potential of Artificial Intelligence as a tool for managing heterogeneous data to predict and mitigate future challenges on these industrial fibre crops.