Food Prices Rise Across the Globe
Riots are breaking out because of rising food prices and shortages on common staples such as rice, wheat, soy and corn. Millions are left vulnerable to be plunged further into poverty.
Countries that are dependent on imported food are in a worse position and likely to be hit harder.
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Experts researched and released a report for the UN calling for major changes in agriculture.
Unesco recommendations included using more organic, local and sustainable farming methods worldwide. See UN Calls for Farming Revolution, BBC News for more information and to see an executive summary of the report.
- The world’s population growth has led to more people eating meat, which also requires growing more crops to feed these animals.
- There has been a bigger demand for ethanol as well so more corn is being diverted for that purpose. Unfortunately, this has contributed to the food shortage as many predicted it would.
- Climate change and water shortages affect crops as well. When the rain doesn’t come or starts late and ends early, there is less food and/or ruined crops. Too much rain and melting snow leads to flooding which is just as devastating as drought for farmers.
