The world’s food supply is based on limited natural resources. Any disruptions in water supplies or weather patterns – exacerbated by growing populations and increased development of land – can quickly lead to food shortages, high prices and unrest. Martin Walker, writing for UPI.com, predicts “pressure on food supplies for decades to come.” Climate change and a fast-mutating fungus Ug99 that attacks wheat crops could lead to mass catastrophes with the most populated nations suffering serious consequences. Spores of Ug99 have already rapidly spread throughout Asia, and travelers could quickly deliver the fungus to fields in Brazil, Canada or the US. At the same time, greater prosperity contributes to preferences for more meat and protein, requiring additional grain. Feeding the global population is manageable with planning, suggests the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. But such planning requires ongoing coordination among importing and exporting nations. – YaleGlobal
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