Weave climate change action into global food policy-Council
Food production could shrink by 2 percent per decade for the rest of the century, pulled down by higher temperatures, shifts in rainfall and natural disaster, says a report by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. It calls on the United States to include climate change activities in international agriculture development efforts. “History has shown that with adequate resources and support, agriculture can meet growing production demands and adapt to some changes in climate. But greater emphasis on adaptation must begin now,” said Doug Bereuter, president emeritus of the Asia Foundation.
Recommendation in the report include more investment in agricultural research on climate change adaptation, with an emphasis on improving crop and livestock tolerance for higher temperature, combatting pests and disease, and reducing food waste; improving weather data for agriculture; and more funding for research and university programs to train agricultural leaders in low-income countries.
The report, “Advancing Global Food Security in the Face of a Changing Climate,” was released in conjunction with the council’s food security conference today. To read it, click here. For the agenda, click here.