INTRODUCTION
Climate change is bringing consequences predicted by experts over years ago. The increasing food shortage around the world is also an impact of climate change. Human activities such as fossil fuel combustion release greenhouse gases that are causing greenhouse effects and global warming. Ultimately the whole scenario is leading to the rising temperature of the Earth’s surface. Hot and prolonged dry weather conditions due to climate change are resulting in wildfires. Floods and wildfires destroy agriculture.
Check out: These 11 Countries Risk Instability Due To Climate Change
FOOD SHORTAGE IN DIFFERENT REGIONS AND COUNTRIES DUE TO CLIMATE CHANGE
SUB SAHARAN AFRICA
According to a news report, this region has approximately 22 % community that is malnourished. Countries like Ethiopia, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and many other don’t have access to sufficient food. Drought and pest breakout in the region has damaged the crop yield.
INDIA
India is among the most populous countries in the world. The growing population requires more food. Misuse of water has caused water shortage in the country and climate change has worsened the circumstance. This situation is leading to increasing less crop production and food shortage.
LATIN AMERICA
Latin America has states that are dependent on imported food. The poor economic situation along with climate change is also contributing to increasing food insecurity in the region. Poorest countries are most vulnerable to climate change and Haiti represents this example.
You might also like: What is Climate Change Adaptation? – Importance and Methods
YEMEN
Yemen is experiencing famine for many years due to political as well as severe weather conditions.
MIDDLE EAST
Middle East region has a wealthy country like UAE that has not yet suffered food shortage. However, Lebanon is facing food shortages due to economic and climate crises.
EUROPE
Europe has countries that are wealthy and food surplus. However, the floods and droughts caused by climate change are certainly causing food shortages in wealthier countries as well. As climate change is affecting rich countries, there is the possibility that refugees will likely suffer most due to food shortages.
Also read: Wildlife Is Already Coping With Effects of Climate Change
UNITED STATES
Various states of the country are experiencing wildfires, floods, and repetitive droughts. These extreme weather events are a result of climate change. Moreover, the pandemic situation is also stressing food availability because people have lost their jobs and faced strict lockdown.
PAKISTAN
Pakistan is an agrarian country and a considerable portion of the population is employed in the agriculture sector. Climate change is severely impacting the weather conditions of Pakistan. Changes in precipitation patterns are affecting crop yields. Water crisis and the vulnerability of groundwater reserves due to overpumping would increase food insecurity in the country. You may like to read Food Security and Climate Change in Pakistan
IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON FOOD-INSECURE COUNTRIES
We must spare our thoughts on this question that what could be possible impacts of climate change on food-insecure countries? Less availability of food means pressure on the economy of the country. Food insecurity stresses the developing economy. Read: We Are Witnessing Climate Change Kill Our World
People would suffer extreme consequences due to food shortages. Malnutrition is the most common example of food shortage. Health problems among individuals, stunted growth in children due to poor nutrition, and deaths due to food shortages are key issues any country would likely face due to climate change.
Here an important thing is our reaction to increasing food shortage due to climate change. Food shortage is directly linked with water availability. The countries should follow sustainable agriculture practices and grow crops that require less water and are drought resistant. Along with that, the superpower countries in the world must restrict their industrial activities in order to reduce their global carbon footprint.
For more information: All You Need To Know About Carbon Footprint And Its Importance
CONCLUSION
Food shortage is increasing around the world. Again the reason is climate change. The countries that suffer water shortages are more likely the same countries that suffer food shortages. Water shortage affects the crop yield and less crop production leads to food insecurity. The environmental problems such as water shortage and food insecurity can definitely be overcome but with strategic planning and strict implementation. Switching to renewable energy sources that are environmentally friendly will help slow down climate change.
Also check out: The Disastrous Link between Poverty and the Environment
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