Global Food Security Threatened by Climate Change and Trade Disruptions
A recent review published in the journal Humanities and Social Sciences Communications highlights the growing threats to global food security, particularly for staple crops like maize, rice, and wheat. The study identifies climate change, water scarcity, urbanization, and geopolitical conflicts as key factors destabilizing food systems. Rising temperatures, droughts, and severe weather events are reducing crop yields, while urban expansion and land-use changes are limiting arable land. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic and conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war have disrupted supply chains and increased food prices. The review also notes the competition between food and biofuel production, which can exacerbate food shortages. However, the study emphasizes the potential of agricultural advancements, international trade, and water management strategies to mitigate these challenges and improve food system resilience.