Start your day off right with a nutritious and sustainable breakfast. However, the future of our morning staples is uncertain due to the impacts of climate change on global farming productivity. Researchers from Cornell University have calculated that farming productivity has decreased by 21% since 1961 due to climate change. But even before this, our current agricultural system was already unsustainable. Approximately one-third of the world’s food is wasted while people around the globe go hungry. Additionally, up to one-third of greenhouse gas emissions are a result of the food supply chain.
In order to move forward, we need to make changes to our current practices. Caspar Chater, a researcher in crops and global change at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, emphasizes that continuing to grow the same crops without considering the consequences will not get us far. Fortunately, there is hope. Tim Benton, a biologist at Chatham House, asserts that there is more than enough food to feed the planet. However, the way in which we produce and consume our favorite foods will need to change by 2050.
One noticeable difference may be in the cost of breakfast items. While most ingredients will still be available, they may become more expensive. Ed Carr, a lead author on the latest United Nations climate report, explains that the price of food will depend on the response of policymakers to the challenges posed by climate change. Current policies and subsidies encourage unsustainable farming practices that degrade the environment and soil. This reliance on industrial farming methods makes it difficult to grow crops without the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation. Price hikes are almost inevitable because the true cost of food production, including its environmental impact, is not reflected in the prices we pay today.
Another change we may have to embrace is being more adventurous with our food choices. Agriculture today heavily relies on a select few species of plants and livestock. This lack of genetic diversity leaves our food system vulnerable to a changing climate. We need to develop plants that can thrive in high temperatures, drought conditions, and extreme weather. Reinjecting genetic diversity into our everyday foods is part of the solution.
However, it is important to note that the ultimate goal should not be to rely on a limited number of crops and animals. This narrow focus on efficiency has led to the degradation of ecosystems worldwide. Intensive farming practices take up half of the planet’s habitable land, leaving limited space for diverse ecosystems to flourish. This lack of biodiversity negatively impacts agriculture as well, as it reduces the presence of plants, insects, and microbes that play a vital role in water purification, pollination, and soil health. It’s crucial to find a balance between efficiency and preserving the natural world.
As the climate continues to change, some foods may have to relocate or even disappear. Salmon and avocado toast, for example, may become harder to find as their current environments become unsuitable for their growth. Additionally, the global nature of our food system makes us vulnerable to disruptions. Any issues in one part of the world can have ripple effects throughout the entire food supply chain. Moving towards a more local and resilient food system will help mitigate these risks.
Consumers also have a role to play in supporting a transition to a sustainable food system. By making conscious choices at the grocery store, such as opting for plant-based foods, individuals can contribute to positive change. However, it’s important to recognize that not everyone has access to sustainable and healthy food options. The current food system prioritizes cheap, low-quality calories over nutritious options. This leads to a global imbalance where the production of fruits and vegetables falls short while unhealthy processed foods become more readily available. This imbalance has already resulted in a rise in diet-related chronic diseases.
Feeding the world sustainably is possible, but it requires the political will and action of governments. To drive meaningful change, the global food system must prioritize human health and the environment. This will require the collective effort of citizens to demand change and for politicians to create policies that support a sustainable market. While the transition may be challenging, it is essential for the future of our planet and the well-being of all its inhabitants.
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