The problem of food security in a world that depends on energy

In its most recent report on climate and development, the World Bank cautions that "addressing food insecurity and energy poverty is central to achieving global stability, but tackling these issues independently is no longer sufficient." Global stability is being negatively impacted by the interconnected problems of food and energy security, which are determining the course of the twenty-first century. Both systems are under attack: while energy systems deal with geopolitical tensions, aging infrastructure, and the gradual shift away from fossil fuels, food production is hampered by climate change, population increase, and inequality.

An even bigger problem arises from their interdependence, though, as agriculture—which is essential to humankind—consumes a lot of energy and contributes to climate change. Given that there are several pivotal moments in the world's history, can weNearly 70% of the freshwater resources in the world are used for agriculture, which also contributes more than 20% of greenhouse gas emissions. A vicious cycle of environmental degradation has been brought about by its reliance on fossil fuels for transportation, irrigation, fertilizer production, and mechanization. Global stability is also threatened by this dependence, which leaves food systems vulnerable to fluctuations in energy prices. The livelihoods of 2.5 billion people are at danger due to the continued disruption of agricultural output caused by rising temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns. Nearly 11.8% of people worldwide experienced extreme food insecurity between 2020 and 2023; by 2028, that number is expected to increase to 956 million.