Climate change is expected to pose a risk of hunger, malnutrition and poverty for millions of people by 2050.
In memory of the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN), 16 October has been declared as "World Food Day" since 1945.
"World Food Day" draws attention to millions of people around the world who cannot afford a healthy diet and need regular access to healthy food.
FAO has determined this year's theme for "World Food Day" as "Leave no one behind".
High acute food insecurity hit nearly 193 million people
In the statement made on the FAO website on World Food Day, emphasizing the importance of transformation into an effective, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agri-food system for better production, healthier food, a better environment and a better life, "No one should be left behind. ” was said. It has been stated that 2022 will be the year of many global challenges.
Challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts, climate change, rising prices and international tensions have affected food security. As the rise in food prices plunges already vulnerable countries into crisis, more than 30,000 people are forced to leave their homes every day due to conflict and persecution.
The nearly 193 million people experiencing high acute food insecurity in 2021 required humanitarian support to survive, with more than half a million facing catastrophes such as starvation and death. Rural farmers account for two-thirds of those with high acute food insecurity, while 3.1 billion people, equivalent to almost 40 percent of the world's population, cannot afford a healthy diet.
Climate change affects the poor living in rural areas and their agricultural lands and production.
Working together to make healthy eating accessible In a video message sent by
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to an event held at the headquarters in Rome, the capital of Italy, the number of people affected by hunger has increased significantly, especially in the last 3 years.
Guterres stated that the most vulnerable societies have been further crushed by the Covid-19 pandemic, climate crisis, environmental degradation, conflicts and deepening inequalities.
Noting that the Ukraine-Russia War caused an increase in food, fertilizer and energy prices, Guterres said that this trend can be reversed if they work together. Guterres said governments, scientists, the private sector and civil society must work together to make healthy eating accessible and affordable to all.
Climate change is a threat to the food system
“Climate change is a growing threat to the food system,” in the “2022 Global Food Policy Report,” published by the Washington-based International Food and Development Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). expression was used. The report pointed out that climate change is expected to put millions of people at risk of hunger, malnutrition and poverty by 2050.
In the report, which noted that climate change adaptation is urgent and feasible for the food system, it was warned that food production, distribution and consumption practices should be adapted to climate change. In the report, it was stated that this way, rural livelihoods are better supported and healthy nutrition is provided.
On the other hand, in the statement made on the website of the US Environmental Protection Agency, it was stated that agriculture is largely dependent on climate. The statement pointed out that increasing air temperatures may increase crop yields in some regions, but this increase must be matched with nutrient level, soil moisture, water access and other conditions.
Changes in the frequency and severity of droughts and floods may pose challenges for farmers and threaten food security. Underlining that climate change affects not only agriculture but also animal husbandry and fisheries, it was stated that climate change will most likely affect food security at global, regional and local levels.
Climate Adaptation
The FAO's "State of World Food Security and Nutrition 2022" report highlighted the importance of investing in climate adaptation practices to support affordable healthy eating and an inclusive supply chain. Climate change poses a significant threat to rural small-scale producers, particularly in poor and vulnerable communities, putting increasing pressure on the ecosystem, according to the report.
Climate adaptation has become central to food security, the report said. Climate adaptation is defined in the report as a change in processes, practices and structures to mitigate potential harms or take advantage of climate change-related opportunities. In the report, which touched on climate adaptation solutions, it was stated that the investments to be made in these solutions can take shape in accordance with the unique situation of the society, business, organization, country and region.
The report pointed out that the innovative management mechanism affects rural poor people, including small-scale producers, and gives them a real say. Underlining that these poor people are suffering the consequences of the changing climate, food insecurity and irregular migration, the report stated that only 1.7 percent of the money invested in climate finance globally has reached small-scale producers so far.
References: https://www.bloomberght.com/fao-iklim-degisikligi-milyonlarca-insani-ac-birakkazan-2317261
