When the Earth Heats Up, the World Goes Hungry
The World Is Looking Forward, But Who Is Being Left Hungry?
Whilst there is much focus on progressing artificial intelligence and creating new data centers, it is often overlooked that many people within the world do not have access to adequate food supplies. Whilst technology is having an impact on the global economy, millions of people still face issues with food scarcity. Although there are many reasons for food scarcity, such as poverty, population growth and conflict, climate change has become an increasingly important factor contributing towards food insecurity globally. Due to global temperatures rising, erratic rain patterns, longer periods of drought and destructive flooding, agricultural systems are becoming increasingly vulnerable (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations [FAO], n.d.-a).
The relationship between climate change and food scarcity can be seen due to the increase in vulnerability of agricultural systems across the globe. Increased climatic variability and extreme weather events are being seen with greater frequency and severity across agricultural areas, increasing global hunger (FAO, 2019). Smallholder farmers, fisherfolk, livestock keepers and rural communities can be seen as vulnerable due to their reliance on natural resources. Due to drought and flood, production can decrease leading to increased food prices, negative impacts on household income and less people having access to nutritious food. Likewise, climate change is a key driver for global hunger and malnutrition, increasing existing threats to the economy, environment and society (World Food Programme [WFP], 2025a). Therefore food scarcity can be seen as an issue caused by climatic issues.
When the Climate Turns Against the Dinner Table
Food scarcity can cause questions surrounding the roles of states and international bodies. Whilst food security is vital for human survival, climate change can impact different countries in varying ways. Developing countries tend to lack financial resources and agricultural systems, meaning they can struggle to adapt to extreme weather conditions. Increasing food prices can also cause issues for those on a low income, as they no longer have as much money to spend on food (FAO et al., 2025). This can show that food insecurity can happen due to people not having the money to buy food rather than there not being enough. Therefore international collaboration is needed to combat food scarcity.
One of the biggest issues is climate change impacting almost every stage of the food system. Higher temperatures can lead to decreased crop production. Erratic rainfall can cause uncertainty around planting times. Extreme weather can cause damage to roads, storage units and transport meaning food is harder to transport. Disasters can cause multiple issues throughout the agricultural system including production, infrastructure, markets and finances (FAO, 2025). This can cause a cycle where the environment is damaged, causing less income for farmers. This can lead to increased costs and less people having access to food. Climate change related food insecurity can cause existing political and economic issues to become more severe, especially in countries already experiencing issues. Climate change is an issue that can exacerbate existing inequalities across the globe.
Research from the WFP (2025b) shows that an increase in local temperature by just 1 degree Celsius above long term averages can increase the number of people facing acute food insecurity. Across the 45 countries studied, there was an increase of approximately 70 million people facing acute food insecurity, this equated to 4.8%. This does not necessarily mean that every time an increase in temperature occurs people will face hunger, however it does show there is a strong link between increased temperatures and increased vulnerability to food crises. This can be seen as evidence to show climate adaptation is a key aspect in global food security.
Indonesia: Rich in Resources, Vulnerable to Hunger
An example of this can be seen in Indonesia. The country has faced issues with food insecurity due to extreme weather and natural hazards. As an archipelago, Indonesia has diverse agricultural regions. This can lead to issues with erratic rainfall, flooding, drought and other natural hazards. These can cause issues with rice production, affecting rural communities and the affordability of essential food items. Decreased harvests can cause less income for farmers and increased costs for consumers. This can be particularly impactful for those on a low income due to a large portion of their income going towards food. This shows that whilst Indonesia has lots of agricultural resources, they can still struggle with food insecurity due to lacking resilience.
Beyond Borders, Beyond Promises: Can the World Actually Cooperate?
There are international bodies in place to help including the FAO, WFP and Paris Agreement. However, this does not always translate into effective actions. Different countries will have varying levels of financial resources, technology, agricultural systems and the ability to deal with climate disasters. It is essential to increase agricultural resilience, climate funding, technology and include climate change in food systems (FAO, n.d.-a). However, countries most vulnerable to climate change may not have the resources in place. This can cause issues for international governance to ensure states are able to protect their populations from food scarcity caused by climate change without placing too great a strain on developing countries.
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With the increasing threat of food scarcity, it can be questioned whether states can protect food security from climate change whilst promoting sustainable agricultural development and international cooperation. Whilst international bodies are in place to help with this issue. Whether states can work together with common goals to ensure consistent policies and actions. We believe food scarcity caused by climate change can be overcome through a holistic approach. This includes increasing agricultural resilience, long-term cooperation, fair climate funding and sustainable food systems.
Feeding the Future Without Starving the Planet
Firstly, states need to increase agricultural resilience to climate change. Governments can invest in drought resistant crops, efficient irrigation, improved soil, early warning systems and climate information. This can help farmers prepare for changes in the environment to reduce the risk of crop failure. It is important to increase the resilience of livelihoods and food systems to climate variability and extremes (FAO, 2019). Investing in research and technology can help developing countries reduce their vulnerability. However, this must be accessible to smallholder farmers.
Secondly, international cooperation must be implemented for increased fairness and climate funding. Not all countries will be affected in the same way by climate change related agricultural loss. Countries with less financial resources will find it difficult to recover from disasters. International bodies and developed countries can provide support to vulnerable states. This can include agricultural development, technology, disaster prevention and funding. Climate change can exacerbate existing vulnerabilities and therefore cooperation with governments and international bodies is essential (WFP, 2025a). This should focus on providing long-term resilience. Vulnerable countries can be supported by international bodies to increase their agricultural capacity. This will help reduce reliance on humanitarian aid.
Thirdly, governments need to understand that food security and climate change are linked. Climate change can cause issues for agricultural production. However, some agricultural practices can also cause increased greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation and damage to the environment. Therefore policies must be implemented to ensure food production is protected without increasing environmental issues. Sustainable farming, reducing food waste, responsible land management and more efficient use of water and energy can help with climate change mitigation and adaptation. Agrifood systems can play an important role in reducing emissions, protecting natural resources and increasing resilience (FAO, n.d.-a). Governments should include food security in their climate change policies.
Lastly, states need to improve international bodies. Food insecurity due to climate change cannot be solved through individual policies. Agricultural markets, supply chains and environmental risks are global. Governments should increase sharing of information about climate change risks. They should work together to combat agricultural disasters. Existing multilateral bodies should be used to increase cooperation. International policies must consider the differing abilities of individual states to deal with climate change. Ensuring vulnerable countries have access to technology, funding and international cooperation will help increase effectiveness. However, this must be done consistently with transparency. Without this global hunger will not be solved through international agreements.
However, policies must be tailored to individual states. Countries will have different amounts of agricultural resources, different economies, different exposure to extreme weather and different access to technology. Climate change may not be the only reason for food insecurity. Armed conflict, economic inequality, disruption to trade and poor distribution systems can all cause increased food insecurity. Therefore policies must be implemented alongside climate adaptation to ensure food is affordable, well distributed and to protect vulnerable people. Policies should be implemented to increase agricultural production and ensure people have consistent access to adequate, safe and nutritious food.
Progress Means Nothing on an Empty Stomach
Overall, it can be seen that climate change is not just an issue about protecting the environment but also about protecting human lives, economic stability and international cooperation. Technology is receiving lots of attention globally however food security is an essential aspect of sustainable development. Evidence from the FAO and WFP shows that climate change can cause issues with agricultural systems, increasing economic vulnerability and global hunger. Whilst there is no one policy that can completely solve these issues, investing in resilient agriculture, fair climate funding, sustainable food systems and increased international cooperation can help reduce the impact. The international community must recognise that if millions of people are vulnerable to hunger then technological advancements and economic development cannot be seen as sustainable. The world must not focus purely on what we can achieve as humans but also ensure our most basic needs can be provided in a changing climate.
References
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2019). The impact of climate variability and extremes on agriculture and food security: An analysis of the evidence and case studies. https://doi.org/10.4060/cb2415en
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2025). The impact of disasters on agriculture and food security 2025: Digital solutions for reducing risks and impacts. https://www.fao.org/publications/fao-flagship-publications/the-impact-of-disasters-on-agriculture-and-food-security/
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (n.d.-a). Climate change. https://www.fao.org/climate-change/en
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, International Fund for Agricultural Development, United Nations Children’s Fund, World Food Programme, & World Health Organization. (2025). The state of food security and nutrition in the world 2025: Addressing high food price inflation for food security and nutrition. https://doi.org/10.4060/cd6008en
World Food Programme. (2025a). WFP’s updated climate change policy — 2024. https://www.wfp.org/publications/wfps-updated-climate-change-policy-2024
World Food Programme. (2025b). Impact of global warming on food security: How does a 1°C increase in temperature affect levels of food insecurity? https://www.wfp.org/publications/impact-global-warming-food-security-how-does-1degc-increase-temperature-affect-levels
World Food Programme. (n.d.). Indonesia. https://www.wfp.org/countries/indonesia
