Nobel laureates urge global food security "moonshot" to prevent future crisis
Over 150 Nobel and World Food prize winners are calling for urgent global action to boost agricultural innovation, warning that failing to address food shortages could create an unstable future for billions.
Tracy McVeigh reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- Scientists, economists and global leaders stress the need for "planet-friendly" approaches to increase food production by 50-70% by 2050.
- Climate change, soil degradation and water shortages are cited as key barriers, particularly in Africa, where population growth and maize yield declines pose significant risks.
- The open letter highlights breakthroughs like nitrogen-efficient crops and extended produce shelf life as key targets for international funding and research.
Key quote:
"If we can put a man on the moon, we can surely rally the funding, resources and collaboration needed to put enough food on plates here on Earth."
— Mashal Husain, incoming World Food Prize Foundation president
Why this matters:
Global food production is failing to meet future demand as environmental pressures intensify. Without immediate innovation, food insecurity could deepen, leading to conflict, economic instability and widespread hunger, particularly in vulnerable regions.
Related EHN coverage: Climate change will continue to widen gaps in food security, new study finds
