The crisis on our plates: finding potential in failing food systems

The crisis on our plates: finding potential in failing food systems June 2022 The war in Ukraine has highlighted that the current way of producing and consuming food is unsustainable. As the rising global population places greater demands on our food system, there is an urgent need to build a resilient and inclusive food ecosystem, meeting both planetary and social needs. Opportunities exist for investors across the value chain of global food production and distribution to help mitigate these risks. Melissa Bourassi Sustainability Analyst Key takeaways – As highlighted by the invasion of Ukraine, pressures on the global food system are reducing availability, affordability and resilience – A radical rethink is required to sustain rising populations and increasing consumption in a way that is fair to all, without simply producing more food – A long-term view is crucial but complex, and the recent stresses on food systems have amplified the need for investors, businesses and policymakers to act Food is more than a simple source of nutrition – example being trade prices for vegetable oil it supports human health, development and jumping by almost 30%. well-being. The challenge is that current food Without a systemic transformation, we risk failing systems are failing on two fronts. They neither to meet the targets set by the Paris Agreement sustain the global population equitably and the UN Sustainable Development Goals nor maintain the natural regeneration of (SDGs). Not only is the sector a high emitter of our ecosystem. greenhouse gases (GHGs), but there is also the Millions of people are undernourished at a time social impact of needing to feed an estimated when roughly one-third of food produced is population of 10 billion by 2050, more equitably 1 lost or wasted. Adding to this, the UN currently and with greater resilience. Investors can play a anticipates a global food crisis due to the situation role in directing capital towards building a more in Ukraine. This comes amidst the most rapid sustainable food ecosystem and supporting the inflation hikes for 20 years in some countries – one shift towards a more inclusive, equitable future. 1UN Environment Programme