Climate change and geopolitical dynamics are two significant issues that pose medium to long-term challenges for vulnerable populations residing in poor countries. Climate change is evident through rising temperatures, extreme climatic events, and instability in ecological balance. Nations often meet together for creating agreements considering the fear of environmental loss, but there are marginal achievement as shifting of political landscapes and. the international community becomes progressively polarized across political, economic, and ideological dimensions.
The domestic governance is featured with crises including pandemics and conflicts, inadequate rule of law, and pervasive corruption, thereby intensifying the difficulties associated with land and water resource management and influencing food insecurity. Climate change has severe negative impacts on financial and human resources within the paradigm of persistent geopolitical conflicts, economic volatility, and disasters in recent decades. External conflicts, coupled with adverse socioeconomic circumstances and corruption, intensify food security dilemmas in both developed and developing nations. Moreover, the scenario has been complicated as military involvement in governance, alongside religious and ethnic discord. In contrast, governmental stability, adherence to the rule of law, democratic accountability, and favourable investment climates can substantially boost up food supply and security. It is reported that the global goal of ending hunger by 2030 (SDG 2) will not be possible as still 100 million more people in 2022 suffered from hunger compared to 2019, with projections indicating 582 million will be chronically undernourished by 2030.
Nevertheless, the disruption in global food supply chain leads to diminished food availability, escalating prices, and alterations in dietary habits. Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East regions are mostly affected countries stricken with famine-like conditions. From trade restrictions and economic sanctions to military disagreements, these disturbances have continuing and serious effects on agri-commodity supply chains and affecting production process as well. The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has consistently highlighted the risks climate change poses to agriculture, noting that rising global temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events directly affect crop yields. For instance, higher temperatures can reduce crop yields by shortening growth cycles and making it difficult for crops to mature. Similarly, intense heatwaves damage soil health and kill pollinators like bees, essential for food production. Additionally, heavy rainfall or prolonged droughts disrupt farming schedules and reduce the predictability of crop harvests.
Trade disruptions
Sanctions and trade restrictions hinder the movement of essential supplies, such as fertilizers from Belarus or wheat from Ukraine. This severely undermines agricultural production in importing nations, resulting in a surge in food prices. An escalation in prices resulting from the ongoing conflict has disproportionately impacted nations identified by the Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC), as these nations are particularly susceptible to fluctuations within the commodity market.
Prior to the war, approximately 90% of Ukraine's agricultural exports were conducted via maritime routes. Subsequent to the commencement of the conflict, the Russian military obstructed Ukraine's Black Sea ports, effectively stalling exports. Following the initiatives taken by the European Union to establish alternative transport routes, colloquially referred to as 'solidarity lanes', along with efforts by the United Nations and Türkiye to facilitate the reopening of ports through the 'Black Sea Grain Initiative', there was a resurgence in exports and a gradual decline in food prices. However, in July 2023, Russia opted to withdraw from the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Up until that juncture, 40% of Ukraine's grain had been transported through the Black Sea ports, while the remaining 60% utilized overland routes via the solidarity lanes.
Logistical challenges
Areas affected by conflict disrupt transportation networks, resulting in delivery delays and elevated costs. Consider the scenario of perishable crops deteriorating at the border due to impassable roadways, or the surging insurance costs for vessels traversing war-affected regions.
Lower Investment
Political volatility serves to deter investment in agricultural infrastructure and research, thereby obstructing long-term production capabilities and technological progress. The annual report on food security indicated that in 2022, between 691 million and 783 million individuals experienced hunger, which represents an increase of 122 million compared to 2019, prior to the pandemic. On a global scale, 2.4 billion individuals lacked consistent access to food..
Recommendations
- Promoting climate-smart agricultural practices, sustainable farming methodologies, and proactive early warning systems empowers communities for effective management of future shocks.
- Encouraging communication and collaboration among nations, even during periods of tension, has the potential to de-escalate conflicts and facilitate the attainment of peaceful resolutions.
- For low-income countries particularly vulnerable to climate change, the task of confronting climate issues is to take adaptation decision to its vulnerabilities and the mitigation of its consequences
Vulnerable nations must concentrate on both adaptation and mitigation strategies. Nevertheless, the geopolitical landscape complicates their endeavors in these domains. Adaptation to climate change represents a paramount concern for Bangladesh, as the nation must cultivate resilience against the repercussions of rising sea levels, extreme meteorological events, and other climate-related calamities. The government has instituted a variety of initiatives to confront these challenges, which include the construction of embankments, flood shelters, and cyclone-resistant infrastructure. However, these initiatives necessitate significant financial investment, which is increasingly challenging to secure due to the intricate global political and economic environment.
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A significant manner in which geopolitical tensions influence climate change is through the competition for natural resources. Climate change is propelling nations into a contest for crucial resources, including water, energy, and food, all of which are vital for human survival. Countries already grappling with resource scarcity as a consequence of climate change, particularly those in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, find themselves enmeshed in an ongoing struggle for increasingly scarce resources.
Furthermore, as nations strive to achieve their climate objectives, there is an increasing propensity to prioritize national interests over global collaboration. Such tensions undermine the efficacy of international climate agreements. The global momentum towards green technologies and renewable energy presents both opportunities and challenges for these nations. On one hand, renewable energy may provide a viable solution to their energy demands while concurrently diminishing reliance on fossil fuels. Conversely, access to clean energy technologies is not uniformly distributed. Wealthier nations frequently lead in the innovation and implementation of such technologies. Consequently, low-income, vulnerable nations find themselves at a disadvantage in obtaining the necessary technologies to transition towards a more sustainable and resilient energy paradigm. Countries susceptible to climate change must concentrate on both adaptation and mitigation strategies. Nevertheless, the geopolitical landscape complicates their initiatives in these domains.
FAQ Here:
How does Geopolitical tension on the Global Food Security?
Conflicts and political instability can damage Geopolitical tensions impact global food security by disrupting trade, causing supply chain breakdowns, and increasing food prices.
How is climate change Geopoliticaly impact global food security ?
According to The climate change Geopoliticaly impact global food security These disruptions affect crop production, reduce yields, and harm food supply chains. With reduced access to essential food resources, the cost of food increases, making it more challenging for vulnerable populations to afford basic nutrition.
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