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Introduction to Food Security and Climate Change

Introduction to Food Security and Climate Change

  • Food Security Definition:

    • Achieved when all people have access to enough food at all times to live a healthy life.

    • Three Aspects:

      • Food availability

      • Access to food

      • Sustainability in food intake

  • Current Challenges:

    • Growing demand and population growth

    • Excessive use of non-renewable resources

    • Challenges posed by climate change

Impact of Climate Change on Food Security

  • Major Challenge of the 21st Century:

    • Climate change poses serious threats to food security worldwide.

  • Climate Change Indicators:

    • Increasing severe weather events (floods, droughts, hurricanes).

    • Changes observed in Earth's climate over the last hundred years.

    • IPCC predicts severe impacts on natural and human systems globally.

Mechanisms of Impact

Changes in Agricultural Productivity

  • Projected Population Growth:

    • Expected to reach 9 billion by 2050.

  • Performance Gap:

    • Current crop yield trends (wheat, corn, rice) insufficient to feed projected population.

  • Climate Change Effects:

    • Average global temperature rise by 1°C.

    • Future temperature increase projected between 2 to 4°C.

    • Increased frequency of climate shocks (heat stress, drought).

  • Water Scarcity:

    • Direct impact reducing agricultural production.

  • Geographical Variability:

    • Warmer temperatures may benefit high latitude regions but adversely affect lower latitudes.

    • Example: 25% increase in Scottish potato yield due to rising temperatures without analogous benefits in soil quality in Canada.

  • Carbon Dioxide Effects:

    • Possible positive yield impacts on C3 crops (wheat/rice) but uncertain due to negative effects (temperature shocks).

Economic and Social Impacts

  • Food Availability and Access:

    • Climate change impacts food prices and availability through altered rainfall.

  • Health Risks:

    • Higher temperatures increase microbial growth rates in food, posing risks to vulnerable populations (children, elderly).

  • Country-Specific Studies:

    • Research on economic impacts of food market disruptions in developed and developing countries due to climate change shocks.

Strategies to Mitigate Climate Change Effects on Food Security

  • Irrigation Pattern Changes:

    • Transitioning from irrigation to dry farming.

  • Adopting Modern Techniques:

    • Implementing cultivation methods that require less water.

  • Policy Recommendations:

    • Urgent action needed through effective policy measures to stabilize food security amidst changing climate.

References

  • A list of studies and articles referenced discussing impacts of climate change on food security and adaptation methods.