The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reported on Wednesday that climate change has jeopardized food security. According to this report published on the FAO's official website, climate change, along with land degradation and other factors, has made food supply problematic for people worldwide. The report states that the increasing global population has raised the demand for affordable food, but climate change, water scarcity, land degradation, and other factors have challenged the agricultural sector, leading to 821 million people currently facing malnutrition. In other words, one in nine people is struggling with hunger. The report estimates that the number of children under five in Yemen who have died from malnutrition and disease could reach 85,000, while famine and drought in Afghanistan have forced 250,000 people to abandon their homes and migrate. Ultimately, the FAO's Secretary-General announced that malnutrition and hunger have increased globally, returning to levels seen a decade ago, stating, "After years of efforts to combat hunger, this regression is regrettable." The current situation comes as the FAO predicts that the demand for food will increase by about 50% by 2050. The report adds that increased use of fertile land also leads to soil degradation and disrupts ecosystems. The FAO also mentions that China discards 12 million tons of spoiled grains each year, valued at $2.6 billion. In its 202-page report, the FAO also provides an overview of the situation in Iran, stating that the loss of biodiversity in Iran has reduced the country's chances of addressing certain challenges, including climate issues. The report adds that biodiversity is a crucial driver for improving the resilience of smallholder farmers in facing problems such as drought, water scarcity, climate change, and pest outbreaks. For example, the FAO has suggested that Iranian farmers use seeds that can withstand climate changes. However, previous statistics published by the FAO on its official website indicate that 4 million people in Iran are facing malnutrition. This figure was about 3.3 million at the beginning of 2000, increased to 4.7 million ten years later, but has since shown a downward trend. Global grain production is expected to decline by 1.6% in 2018 compared to the previous year, reaching 2,607 million tons. The FAO's forecast for human and animal grain consumption indicates a new record of 2,626 million tons. Thus, global grain reserves are expected to see a 2.7% decline by the end of the agricultural season ending in 2019.
FAO: Climate Change Puts Food Security at Risk
The FAO reports that climate change is severely impacting global food security, with 821 million people facing malnutrition. The situation is critical in Iran, where biodiversity loss is hindering the country's ability to cope with agricultural challenges. This report highlights the urgent need for sustainable agricultural practices to combat rising food insecurity.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The FAO released a report highlighting the severe impact of climate change on global food security, noting that 821 million people are malnourished, including 4 million in Iran. The report emphasizes the need for sustainable agricultural practices to combat these challenges.
- 821 million people globally are facing malnutrition, with significant numbers in Iran.
- The FAO predicts a 50% increase in food demand by 2050.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Food security is a critical issue exacerbated by climate change, affecting millions worldwide. In Iran, biodiversity loss further complicates agricultural resilience.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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Translation confidence: 85%