What to know
Climate change is expected to threaten food production, certain aspects of food quality, food prices, and food distribution systems on a global scale. Adaptation activities can reduce the health impacts of some of the anticipated food security challenges.
Global food security
Climate change is likely to threaten food production, quality, prices, and distribution systems on a global scale.
Livestock and fish production are expected to decline. Prices may increase due to reduced food production and expensive petroleum for agricultural inputs like pesticides and fertilizers.
Many crop yields are predicted to decline because of the combined effects of changes in:
- Rainfall
- Severe weather events
- Increasing weeds and pests on crop plants
Food security in the U.S.
While the U.S. will be less affected than some countries, the nation will not be immune. Health can be affected in several ways.
- Americans with particular dietary patterns, such as Alaska Natives, will confront shortages of key foods.
- Food insecurity increases with rising food prices. People may begin to cope by turning to nutrient-poor but calorie-rich foods. Some people may also go hungry. The results could range from micronutrient malnutrition to obesity.
- The nutritional value of some foods is projected to decline. Elevated atmospheric CO2 is associated with decreased plant nitrogen concentration, and therefore decreased protein in many crops, such as barley, sorghum, and soy. The nutrient content of crops is also projected to decline if soil nitrogen levels are suboptimal, with reduced levels of nutrients such as calcium, iron, zinc, vitamins, and sugars. This effect can be alleviated if sufficient nitrogen is supplied.
- Farmers are expected to need to use more herbicides and pesticides because of increased growth of pests and weeds, as well as decreased effectiveness and duration of some chemicals. Farmers, farmworkers, and consumers will be increasingly exposed to these substances and their residues, which can be toxic.
These climate change impacts on the nutritional value of food exist within a larger context. Other factors, such as agricultural practices, food distribution systems, and consumer food choices, also play key roles. Adaptation activities can reduce the health-related impacts of some of the anticipated food security challenges.
Resources
- Nutrition – information and resources on a variety of nutrition topics
- Food Safety – guidance on food safety and foodborne illnesses and outbreaks