Kerry Says Nexus Between Climate Change and Food Security Undeniable
As the world celebrates World Food Day, the United States of America reaffirmed its commitment to addressing climate change as one of the greatest threats to global food security.
In a press statement in Washington DC, US Secretary of State John Kerry said the impacts of climate change to both land and ocean resources could slow global food production for the rest of the century.
“The nexus between climate change and food security is undeniable.” – Secretary Kerry
Secretary Kerry said the issue of climate change is not something new and there’s a need to address this challenge to halt the plague of hunger and poverty.
In addition, Secretary Kerry underlined that as the threat of climate change continues to grow – and as more and more regions around the world are experiencing historic droughts, extreme weather, and, consequently, serious food shortages – addressing this nexus, staving off the worst impacts of climate change, and improving food security around the world must be a global priority.
US Committed to End Global Poverty and Hunger
According to Secretary Kerry, the US is doing everything it can to combat hunger and advance global food security.
In fact, the US is already making progress to combat food insecurity. In 2013, the Feed the Future initiative helped nourish more than 12.5 million children and brought improved technologies to nearly seven million food producers.
In June, Secretary Kerry hosted the Our Ocean Conference to prompt urgent actions to confront the threats to global ocean resources.
Last month, the US also spearheaded the launch of the Global Alliance for Climate-Smart Agriculture to bring governments, businesses, civil society, and others together to empower farmers and fishers to adapt to climate change and mitigate greenhouse gases – all while sustainably increasing agricultural production.
Food Insecurity Is Alarming
According to Secretary Kerry, more than 800 million people around the world are chronically undernourished. By 2050, the global population is expected to increase by 2 to 3 billion people. This means agricultural production will need to increase by sixty percent if there’s any hope of meeting the increased demand.
US Advances Effort to End Global Hunger
Under the Obama administration, the government considers food security is closely linked to economic growth, social progress, political stability, and peace. The administration gives importance that there must be real progress in delivering on commitments to improve food security.
In response to the spike in global food prices in 2007-2008, President Obama pledged $3.5 billion to help poor countries fight hunger by investing in agricultural development. The U.S. Government’s Feed the Future Initiative utilizes innovation, research, and development to improve agricultural productivity, link farmers to local and regional markets, enhance nutrition, and build safety nets. These investments will increase the supply of food where it is needed and help vulnerable people withstand price shocks better.
G-8 countries announced in July 201 the L’Aquila Food Security Initiative that will provide $20 billion over three years towards agricultural development in impoverished countries.
