Changing climate

World Food Day was observed on October 16, with the theme, ‘The climate is changing. Food and agriculture must too’. The UN Secretary General has said that we need to satisfy an increasing demand for food. However, 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 the world’s poorest 70 percent who depend on subsistence farming or fishing for income and without concerted action, millions more people can fall into poverty and hunger threatening to reverse hard won gains and placing in jeopardy our ability to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

In view of the above, agriculture and food systems must become more resilient, productive inclusive and sustainable. Also, to bolster food security in 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 reduce greenhouse gas emissions and safeguard the health and well-being of ecosystems and all people who depend on them.

Khan Faraz

Peshawar