Eating from an Empty Plate: Climate and Food

Authored by: Maya Gowda

Art by: Kaitlyn Truong

As climate change worsens each year, more and more people struggle to find nutritious foods. Many farmers struggle to grow nutritious crops and livestock due to catastrophic extreme weather events perpetuated by climate change [1]. The lack of nutritious foods can lead to food insecurity, disproportionately affecting countries already affected by higher hunger levels [2]. Individuals may rely on ultra-processed and other unhealthy foods, increasing their likelihood of obtaining diseases like Type 2 diabetes [3]. Although the global food system is extremely complex, it is important to implement strategies that promote food security using an environmentally conscious approach. 

Maintaining food security looks different depending on the country, but is consistently dependent on the following four factors: “availability, stability of supplies, access, and biological utilization of food” [4]. All four factors are directly related to climate change. Food security is inextricably linked to biodiversity, significantly impacted by climate change [5]. For instance, a decrease in soil health can result in a decrease in micro- and macronutrient consumption by individuals, especially those in underserved communities. Extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires can increase the likelihood of contaminated water or foods that when consumed can result in infections and/or ingestion of toxins/harmful chemicals [5]. Such weather events can also cause economic and physical disruptions that prevent people from accessing healthy or nutritious foods and drinkable water [6]. Individuals who are malnourished are also more likely to develop infections and diseases that can take a significant toll on their physical and mental health [6]. Malnourishment due to food insecurity and climate change can start at a very young age as researchers in India found a direct correlation between insufficient nutrition amongst children around 2 years of age [6]. Insufficient access to markets and poor road infrastructure are factors contributing to malnourishment [6]. Floods, heavy rainfall, and drought are also correlated with a higher frequency of child malnutrition [6]. This may in turn lead to developing countries of lower socioeconomic status struggling with food security and health issues, which can result in significant financial stress. 

To improve crop yield and maintenance of nutritious foods, it is also critical to examine current agricultural methods and ensure that the foods produced are actually healthy. Farmers tend to rely on pesticides that penetrate foods [7]. Consumption of pesticides over a long period of time can lead to health issues including chronic illnesses and various cancers. Decreasing pesticide use will also be beneficial for agricultural workers who face unhealthy consequences from long-term exposure. 

Educating farmers and agricultural workers regarding the impact of climate change on the agricultural industry is key to improving agricultural practices. As agricultural workers and governments navigate maintaining food supply in a climate-conscious way, there will be less health and environmental stresses for developing communities. Food supply is heavily affected by climate change, but can be maintained by increasing the efficiency of agricultural production. Further research and integration of sustainable agricultural practices such as precision farming, agrivoltaics, and more can not only help maintain food supply, but also reduce carbon emissions from traditional farming practices [8]. The agricultural industry will benefit from simultaneously increasing crop yield and helping the environment. Improved food security for more countries will decrease the prevalence of health issues amidst climate change.  

Developing and instilling climate-resilient farming practices will prevent further public health issues from exacerbating. Sustaining global food security is one of the world’s most challenging issues and will persist without strategic action. Health inequities tied to these pre-existing health issues will also lessen as we adopt climate conscious farming practices and sustainable food supply. Food security is inextricably linked to public health and requires proper strategic planning and funding. It is imperative that the agricultural industry works towards a sustainable future for both the industry and global food security. 

References: 

1. El Bilali, H., Bassolé, I., Dambo, L., & Berjan, S. (2020). CLIMATE CHANGE AND FOOD SECURITY. The Journal Agriculture and Forestry, 66, 197–210. https://doi.org/10.17707/AgricultForest.66.3.16

2. Wheeler, T., & von Braun, J. (2013). Climate Change Impacts on Global Food Security. Science, 341(6145), 508–513. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1239402

3. Leiman, D. A., Magidan, K., Carlin, M., Cantrell, S., & Palakshapa, D. (2022). Food Insecurity in Digestive Diseases. Gastroenterology, 163(3), 547-551.e13. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2022.05.040

4. McIntyre, L. (2003). FOOD SECURITY: MORE THAN A DETERMINANT OF HEALTH. Food Security.

   https://policyoptions.irpp.org/wp-content/uploads/assets/po/bank-mergers/mcintyre.pdf

5. Havas, K., & Salman, M. (2011). Food security: Its components and challenges. International Journal of Food Safety, Nutrition and Public Health, 4(1), 4–11. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJFSNPH.2011.042571

6. How Climate Change Is Stressing the Global Food Supply and Public Health. (2024, September 12). Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/news/how-climate-change-stressing-global-food-supply-public-health

7. Abdullah, M., Riaz, A., Rafique, M. A., Baig, H., Nawaz, S., Khalid, S., Shah, M. T., Akber, A. R., Siddiq, M. A., & Yaseen, G. (2022). Water contamination and its effects on humans: A review. NeuroQuantology, 20(15), 188–201. https://www.neuroquantology.com/open-access/Water+contamination+and+its+effects+on+humans%253A+A+review_7706/

8. Fanzo, J., Bellows, A. L., Spiker, M. L., Thorne-Lyman, A. L., & Bloem, M. W. (2020). The importance of food systems and the environment for nutrition. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 113(1), 7–16. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/nqaa313