Interconnected Crises of Food and Energy Insecurity
The World Bank warns that addressing food and energy insecurity separately is insufficient for global stability.
Both food production and energy systems are under stress due to climate change, geopolitical tensions, outdated infrastructure, and slow transitions from fossil fuels.
Agriculture is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, contributing to environmental degradation and exposing food systems to energy price shocks.
Impact of Fossil Fuel Dependency
Agriculture consumes 70% of global freshwater and is responsible for over 20% of greenhouse gas emissions, creating a vicious cycle of environmental damage.
The ongoing reliance on fossil fuels for agricultural processes like mechanization and fertilizer production makes food systems vulnerable to energy price volatility and geopolitical disruptions.
Energy poverty affects low-income countries the most, hindering agricultural productivity and deepening poverty.
Agriculture’s Dual Role and Financial Costs
Agriculture is burdened by the dual responsibility of feeding a growing population and supporting the global energy transition through biofuel production.
Biofuel production competes with food security, requiring significant land and water resources.
Tackling food insecurity globally will require around $90 billion annually until 2030, with transforming global food systems costing up to $400 billion per year.
Need for Inclusive and Sustainable Solutions
Despite significant investments in renewable energy, fossil fuel consumption continues, exacerbating the crises.
Solutions must focus on inclusivity, ensuring vulnerable communities are not left behind, particularly in low-income countries.
A shift in perspective is necessary: agriculture should be reimagined as a key element of sustainable development, balancing food security with climate goals to avoid dire global consequences.
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