UN secretary general calls for changing food, agriculture due to climate change

Islamabad

On the World Food Day observed on Sunday with theme ‘The climate is changing. Food and Agriculture must too’, the United Nations general secretary through his message said as the global population expands we will need to satisfy an increasing demand for food.

Yet around the world record breaking temperatures, rising sea levels and more frequent and severe droughts and floods caused by climate change are already affecting ecosystems agriculture and society’s ability to produce the food we need.

The most vulnerable people are world’s poorest 70 per cent of whom depend on subsistence, farming or fishing for income and food.

On this World Food Day UN highlight the close link between climate change, sustainable agriculture and food and nutrition security with the message that the climate is changing: Food and agriculture must too.

Without concerted action millions more people could fall into poverty and hunger threatening to reverse hard won gains and placing in jeopardy our ability to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Agriculture and food systems must become more resilient productive inclusive and sustainable.

To bolster food security in a changing climate countries must address food and agriculture in their climate action plans and invest more in rural development.

Targeted investments in these sectors will build resilience and increase the incomes and productivity of small farmers lifting millions from poverty.

They will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and safeguard the health and well being of ecosystems and all people who depend on them.

On this World Food Day UNSG urged all Governments and their partners to take a holistic collaborative and integrated approach to climate change food security and equitable social and economic development.

The well being of this generation and those to come depends on the actions we take now.

Only by working in partnership will we achieve a world of zero hunger and free from poverty where all people can live in peace prosperity and dignity.