Drought to reduce US corn crop yield

America’s corn stocks are at their lowest in 20 years due to one of the hottest Julys on record.

The impact could affect the production of ethanol, which is created using the corn harvest in the US. That could in turn mean an increase in carbon dioxide emissions, as well as a further increase in droughts from climate change.

But the United Nations has urged that the US government to stop using corn to make ethanol to avoid the possibility of a food crisis.

In an election year it is unlikely that President Obama will give in to pressure and take any political risks. Al Jazeera’s Kimberly Halkett reports.