The crisis on our plates: finding potential in failing food systems Greater inclusivity as core to a resilient and sustainable food system Enough food is produced globally to meet the is essential to create a more inclusive food system that needs of an expanding population, whose benefits everyone. average daily caloric intake has increased by Achieving a deep transformation of food systems involves 34% since 1947.2 Yet around 800 million people globally suffer from hunger and three billion cannot afford the recognition of their central role in contributing a healthy diet.3 We are currently off course to achieve towards most of the 17 SDGs. Through powerful levers the UN’s 2030 Zero Hunger target which stems from the for transformation, sustainable food systems provide 4 5 the opportunity for progress in achieving the SDGs by universal right to adequate food. By 2030, 840 million are connecting society, environment and the global economy. expected to suffer from hunger. At the other end of the spectrum, an estimated two billion are overweight or obese and at high risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). “G lobal food production threatens The global imbalance is clear. climate stability and ecosystem The challenge is not new but the Covid-19 pandemic, the resilience. It constitutes the single invasion of Ukraine and increased frequency of extreme climate events have exposed the fragility of our food largest driver of environmental supply chain, and ultimately food insecurity. Ukraine is the degradation and transgression source of millions of tonnes of maize and wheat that are key staples, especially in more vulnerable areas, such as of planetary boundaries.” South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Furthermore, women and young people are also disproportionately lacking in Source: Professor Dr Johan Rockström, EAT-Lancet Commission, access to healthy and affordable food. Empowering them January 2019 Exhibit 1: the central role of food – touching upon each of the 17 SDGs Environmental Sustainable food systems Social Economic Source: Allianz Global Investors and UN Sustainable Development Goals 2Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) via Our World in Data 3FAO 2021 4The right to food is recognized in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights 5Sustainable Development Goals – Goal 2: Zero Hunger 2