Climate Change And Food Security – Things You Should Know

Hi friends

Today we want to talk with you about very important topic – the meaning of climate change and food security, and why it is important to understand it for survival reasons.

Climate change is the word used to describe the statistical change in the weather patterns or conditions and this must happen over a long time. There are many causes of climate changes that range from change of solar radiation, biotic processes, volcanic eruptions and also plate tectonic movements. It not unusual also for some human activity to cause climate change, leading to global warming.

Scientists are working to understand the past and the future climate patterns by simple observations and theoretical patterns developed by this scientist. There is a rich climate record that’s has been recorded from very early times of the earth. This information has been assembled and it is being collected every day that passes. The data is fully based on existing geological evidence that is available from borehole temperature profiles. More and certain data is provided by data that is recorded by instruments. Where physical data is not provided theoretical data is used.

It seems obvious that any significant change in climate on a global scale should impact local agriculture and thereby affect the world’s food supply. Considerable study has gone into the questions of how farming might be affected in different regions, and by how much; and whether the net result may be harmful or beneficial, and to whom.

Climate change has resulted to a lot of impact both negatively and positively. Some of these impacts range from ecological to biophysical impacts and they include:

1. It may cause climate and agricultural zones to shift towards the poles.

2. There might be change in production patterns caused by higher temperatures

3. There could be an increase in agricultural production as a result of the increased carbon dioxide in the air.

Impact Of Climate Change On Food Security

How will climate change alter the ability of the world’s growing population to gain access to food? By integrating agricultural and socio-economic models, we can begin to predict if there will be an increase in hunger and famine as a result of global warming.

The most felt effect is the expected rise in global average temperatures. Studies are showing that it could increase by 3-10 Fahrenheit by the end of 10 years if the current increased levels of carbon dioxide are not stopped. This may cause a number of secondary and primary effects. Secondary effects may include: rising sea levels, agricultural patterns may change, also extreme weather may be experienced in some parts. Some scholars also suggest that some tropical diseases may spread.

There is also the effect of sea level rising of about 0.36-2.5feets. This will have a lot of repercussions to the agricultural sector. There is also a possibility of slowing down the thermohaline circulation. Also the emitted greenhouse gases lead to the depletion of ozone layer exposing us to the harmful sun-rays. There is the effect of lowering the pH of the ocean.

Change in climate has also attributed to the change in vegetation covering the earth surface. Changes in climate are associated with increase in warmth and rate of precipitation. This results in increased rate of pant growth.

There is also the issue of net imports of cereals increase.  Higher grain prices is going to affect the number of people at risk of hunger, and the total number of hungry people in developing countries will probably increase by ~1% for every 2-2.5% increase in prices.

Reducing Carbon Emissions

Reducing carbon emissions starts with me and you. For instance one can choose to buy modern vehicles that are known to emit very little carbon dioxide for example electric car. For those living in the rural areas alternative source of energy is very essential e.g. cooking gas instead of using firewood or coal for cooking.

Simple changes in one home can lead to significant reduction in the emission of carbon dioxide. One can change the most used light fixtures and install energy saving light appliances. That will save the overall energy consumption. This in turn generates 75% less heat and in return saving more energy. Also at home there is also the simple reduce, reuse and recycle rule. This simple rule helps preserve and reduce the overall pollution on the environment.

Adaptation To Climate Change

Adaptation to climate change is a word used to describe all measures or responses that are taken to protect or reduce the effect of climate change to biological systems. Climate change adaptation is very important mostly to developing countries, this is because to the fact that they are most hit by effects of this climate change and also they have the least capability to adapt. These adaptive measures can take the anticipatory adaptation or the reactive adaptation.

Even if all carbon dioxide emissions stopped at this moment, the level of already emitted carbon dioxide into the atmosphere will result in an enhanced global warming effect for the next fifty years. That is why we are also advised to blend and adapt to this climate change related effects.

Most adaptive measures and capacities that are taken by most countries are linked to economic and social growth or development. The cost that is associated with the process of fully adapting to this climate change is very high and most countries cannot afford this. However the exact amount is yet to be known. But there is hope as donor countries are coming up to help those countries that can’t sponsor themselves.

There is also the policy called climate change mitigation. This policy is more concerned with reduction of greenhouse gases emission. It is also the policy that is concerned with the removal of these harmful gases from the atmosphere, this is done through carbon sinks. This has been very hard though as even the sophisticate of all methods used cannot fully control the effects of these gases. This is another reason for the need for adapting to climate change.

Conclusion

In assumption, global warming may result in harmful effects on food supply and security, especially in developing countries. Even if developing countries adapt to climate change, they will not be able to completely avoid the problems associated with climate change. It is also our responsibility to protect our climate by spreading and education the masses and our families of the advantages of adapting to climate changes. This helps in the reduction of greenhouse gases emissions and air pollution

Overall, climate change is one of the reasons why we personally believe that it is always recommended to be prepared for any food crisis that may come. By taking the required steps we mentioned in our previous posts you can ensure that even if a food crisis will happen, you will be ready for it…
Have a great day!

Jason and Erin