Financial Times examines demographic, economic, policy changes affecting global food security

Nov 27 2012

The Financial Times examines "[a] complex cocktail of demographic, economic, and policy changes [that] can be blamed for increased pressure on the food supply." The newspaper writes, "Climate change is having a number of effects on food production," and notes "the effect of climate change is not only felt in steady, incremental shifts but also in volatility, unpredictability and an increase in extreme storms, floods and droughts." However, "[c]limate change is certainly not the only culprit when it comes to food insecurity," the newspaper writes, adding that "increasingly affluent citizens in countries such as China and India want to consume more better quality food and meat, both of which are highly resource intensive," and "[c]ompetition for agricultural land has intensified, with increased biofuel production and expanding urban areas."

"While the difficulties of tackling the effects of climate change on food security are not insubstantial, a far greater barrier exists -- the lack of political will," the Financial Times continues. "Given the scale of the challenge, a wide range of responses will be required, from new trade agreements to increased research in climate-resilient crops," the newspaper writes, adding, "Oxfam is calling for a full stress testing of the global food system to enable a coordinated response" (Murray, 11/25).