Climate change threatens global food security and supply chains

Climate change and extreme weather patterns are increasingly threatening global food security and the resilience of international supply chains. With 40 percent of the UK’s food being imported, the nation remains heavily dependent on overseas farmers for staples such as rice, tea, coffee, and bananas.

Forecasters are anticipating one of the most extreme El Niño events on record, which is expected to cause significant disruption across India, South America, and parts of Africa. In Kenya, coffee farmers report that unpredictable rainfall makes it difficult to plan the application of fertilizers and manage harvests, directly impacting the stability of the supply chain.

Advocates are calling on the Labour Government to address these vulnerabilities, noting that climate-driven disruptions to essential goods can exacerbate cost-of-living challenges. Supporting the ability of international farming communities to adapt to changing climates is cited as a key factor in maintaining affordable food prices.