food security
Newsletter
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Somalia's climate crisis is worsening long-standing challenges
Despite being one of the world's poorest and most conflict-ridden nations, Somalia's top climate advisor remains hopeful for the country's future despite the impacts of climate change.
In short:
- Climate change is intensifying Somalia’s droughts and floods, worsening resource scarcity and fueling local conflicts.
- Around 4 million people, displaced by conflict and climate crises, now live in makeshift refugee camps with little international aid.
- Somalia is investing in renewable energy, with local businesses and communities taking steps to adapt to climate challenges.
Key quote:
“There is no respect if you don’t have a gun. The herders who lead their animals into the farm stay back when they see my weapon.”
— Sheik Don Ismail, Somali farmer.
Why this matters:
Somalia’s escalating climate challenges are pushing its population into deeper conflict and poverty, threatening millions with displacement, hunger, and violence. Addressing these issues requires urgent international support.
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Newsletter
EU countries pledge to boost water-saving tech as droughts rise
Southern EU nations agreed to develop water-saving technologies in agriculture to mitigate the worsening effects of climate change, which threatens food security in the region.
In short:
- Officials from nine southern EU countries met in Cyprus to discuss climate-related droughts impacting agriculture.
- They committed to sharing data and research, developing water-efficient farming and creating crops that can withstand harsh conditions.
- Ministers called for increased EU funding to support these initiatives and attract younger farmers.
Key quote:
“Climate change is a real threat to food production worldwide, and this risk is even more severe in the Mediterranean area.”
— Luis Planas, Spain’s Agriculture Minister
Why this matters:
Rising droughts could devastate food supplies in Mediterranean regions, threatening both local economies and global food security. Adaptation to new climate conditions is essential for long-term agricultural sustainability.
Related EHN coverage:
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Credit: Paul VanDerWerf/Flickr
The world may be losing its tiny pollinators
Insects are disappearing globally, and while data is difficult to parse, the loss threatens ecosystems and food production.
In short:
- Insect populations are declining due to climate change, habitat loss, and pesticide use, raising concerns about pollination and food security.
- Despite the alarming trends, data on insect decline is inconsistent, making it hard to gauge the full extent of the problem.
- Volunteer-led initiatives and studies suggest that the issue is serious, with some insect populations down by over 75% in certain regions.
Key quote:
“We could not feed the global human population without pollinators.”
— Dave Goulson, professor of biology at the University of Sussex
Why this matters:
While we might cheer the absence of mosquitoes on a summer night, the bigger picture is alarming. Without these tiny powerhouses, our food systems, natural environments, and even human health could take a serious hit. Read more: Silent Earth: Averting the insect apocalypse.
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Credit: Focal Foto/Flickr
How to save money and fight food waste
A new generation of apps is rescuing perfectly good food from landfills, making it available at a fraction of the retail price at restaurants and grocery stores.
In short:
- Food waste apps like Flashfood and Too Good To Go connect users to surplus food from grocery stores and restaurants.
- These apps help reduce the 2.5 million tons of food waste retailers discard annually, benefiting both the environment and consumers.
- By purchasing discounted surplus food, users can save money and access healthier food options.
Key quote:
“It feels like they are spreading like wildfire. I love the model because at least some of the food would literally have been thrown out a day later. It really is saving it from the garbage.”
— Dana Gunders, ReFED
Why this matters:
These digital do-gooders save money and so much more. Reducing food waste can cut global CO2 emissions and provide affordable, nutritious food options, particularly benefiting low-income families struggling with the high cost of healthy eating. Read more: New White House strategy backs food rescue efforts but more is needed to fight hunger and waste.
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Newsletter
Florida farmland faces threats from development and climate change
Florida's agricultural land is rapidly shrinking due to increasing development and climate change, jeopardizing the state's position as a major supplier of fresh winter produce in the United States.
In short:
- Florida's farms, which provide a large portion of the nation's winter produce, are at risk of being converted to residential and commercial uses by 2070.
- Climate change and rising sea levels also threaten Florida's agricultural land, potentially reducing the state's capacity to produce fruits and vegetables.
- Florida farmers face financial pressure due to competition with Mexican imports and lack sufficient legal protection against land conversion.
Key quote:
“Once farmland is converted to a neighborhood, it can’t reverse back. If you lose farmland, it is gone.”
— Zhengfei Guan, agricultural economist
Why this matters:
The loss of Florida's farmland could disrupt the U.S. winter produce supply and increase reliance on imported fruits and vegetables. This dependency raises concerns about pesticide use and food security, impacting both health and environmental sustainability.
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Decades-old oil industry magazine predicted climate crisis, starvation
In 1977, a publication by a predecessor of Marathon Petroleum warned that rising global temperatures could cause severe economic and social disruptions, including widespread starvation.
In short:
- The 1977 article from Marathon Petroleum's predecessor predicted climate-related disasters due to industrial expansion.
- The lawsuit claims Marathon and other companies concealed their knowledge of climate risks for decades.
- Marathon is accused of opposing climate policies while privately acknowledging the dangers of carbon emissions.
Key quote:
"The climate is not going to get better, only worse. Over the long haul, we are going to have to brace ourselves for the prospect of a lot of poor harvests."
— J Murray Mitchell, NOAA scientist
Why this matters:
Companies like Marathon Petroleum knew about climate change risks long ago but continued to prioritize profit over environmental responsibility. Understanding this history is vital for holding them accountable and addressing current climate challenges.
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Credit: Sonika Agarwal/Unsplash
Unpredictable rainfall challenges Indian farmers
Farmers in India struggle to adapt to erratic monsoons caused by climate change, threatening their livelihoods and the country's agriculture.
In short:
- Climate change is causing India’s monsoons to become more unpredictable, with either too much rain in short periods or prolonged dry spells.
- Farmers are facing crop failures due to these erratic patterns, impacting their economic stability and leading to increased debts and suicides.
- Experts suggest solutions like growing less water-intensive crops, localized weather forecasting, and policy changes to support affected farmers.
Key quote:
“We planted our cotton seeds after a good monsoon was predicted but it rained just two days and stopped after, so now we’re worried our crops will fail again.”
— Vijay Jawandhia, farmer
Why this matters:
Erratic monsoons threaten the livelihoods of 120 million Indian farmers, contributing to economic instability and food security issues. Effective adaptation strategies and policy changes are essential to mitigate these impacts and support the agricultural sector.
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