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Climate change is a global crisis that poses a threat to every aspect of our lives, including our food supply. As the planet warms up, extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, storms and wild fires are becoming more frequent and more severe. This is having a direct impact on food production, as crops are damaged or destroyed, and soil fertility is compromised.
In 2022, 12% of the population is struggling with malnutrition. That means they’re not getting enough food to meet their basic needs. This number is going to get worse because we’re seeing more and more extreme weather events and disasters. Climate change will not only cause people to lose their lives, but those negatively impacted by climate change, will start to look for ways to better their lives and will therefore become more vulnerable to modern slavery and human trafficking. It’s a really dire situation further elaborated on in this report by the International Monetary Fund.
According to a NASA study, by as early as 2030, climate change will have affected the global production of maize and wheat with estimates stating a decline by 24%.
Additionally, the demand for food is increasing as the global population grows. We need to find ways to ensure that our food supplies are secure and that we can feed everyone on the planet. One way to do this is through advocating for the environment and climate through procurement.
- Reducing food waste: By working to reduce food waste within our own operations and supply chains where possible, businesses and organisations can help to ensure that more food is available to meet demand.
- Donating excess food to local community fridges and food banks is a fantastic strategy as they bring people together to eat and connect as well as reduce food waste.
- Reducing our carbon footprint overall to mitigate climate change more broadly will have a positive impact on food shortages as well as other aspects of climate change such as extreme weather events that can lead to poverty, modern slavery and biodiversity loss.
Climate change is a major threat to food security, but by adopting procurement practices that support the reduction of food waste and positively impacts climate change, we can help to mitigate the impact of this crisis and ensure that everyone has access to safe, nutritious food whilst procuring for an environmentally friendly planet.
The UK Government spends £300 million a year through their procurement function and the procurement bill makes no references to climate or environmental factors. This is why we’re asking our community to sign a UK Government & Parliament petition to amend the procurement bill to enshrine positive environmental obligations – https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/621955