\u00a0\u00a0 There are major implications of climate change on food and nutrition. The effects of rising temperatures have already proven to decrease crop yield as \u201cglobal maize and wheat production declined by 3.8 percent and 5.5 percent, respectively, from 1980 to 2008\u201d[4].\u00a0Changing drought and flood patterns may also further strain crop yield and quality. Decreased yield and quality will lead to lower quantity and quality food for consumption, and reduce farmer incomes. Food scarcity also increases the likelihood of conflict, further threatening food security. Fast forward to 2050 and the situation may become dire. The global population is projected to be 9.6 billion by 2050 [5] while the demand for food is projected to double [6]. All the while prices will rise \u2013 with certain staples such as wheat projected to be 40% higher while fruits and vegetables could be up to 30% more expensive, thereby putting food even further from people\u2019s reach [7].<\/p>\n WFP is very aware of the threat from climate change. If it was only to act reactively and provide food aid to those impacted, the costs of such services would likely spiral into several tens of billions a year [8]. It\u2019s therefore crucial for it to focus on proactive efforts and is currently doing the following [9]:<\/p>\n Assuming the two major levers for lessening the impact of climate change on vulnerable populations is (1) increasing ways for these populations to adapt and become more resilient, and (2) lowering overall emissions, there are additional steps that WFP can take. The organization can further help its target populations adapt by finding innovative and low cost ways to support access to clean water and sanitation that are less impacted by catastrophes. Inadequate sanitation and unclean water can lead to illness and prevent those effected from engaging in productive work to support themselves and their family.<\/p>\n On the topic of lowering emissions, tactically WFP can help farmers adopt more emission-friendly farming practices and their families more efficient lighting and cooking sources. Doing so would lessen emissions, and reduce the instances of farmers depleting soil or families cutting trees for fuel. Perhaps most impactfully, WFP can leverage its forecast data and actual data from operating in the field to make a credible and compelling case for the monetary impact of climate change. It can demonstrate the growing divide between available funding and necessary aid when approaching governments and funders. By advocating for emission reductions with a strong financial case, WFP can ideally help speed up the adoption of emission reducing protocols.<\/p>\n On humanities path to attaining the self-actualization proposed by Maslow, we must first overcome the threat of climate change and ensure access to sufficient food and nutrition for everyone. WFP is leading the charge and through innovation, partnerships, and advocacy can ideally succeed.\u00a0(798 words)<\/p>\n Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n 1.\u00a0USDA, \u201cClimate Change, Global Food Security, and the U.S. Food System,\u201d http:\/\/www.usda.gov\/oce\/climate_change\/FoodSecurity2015Assessment\/FullAssessment.pdf<\/a>, accessed November 2016.<\/p>\n 2. The World Food Programme, \u201cClimate Impacts on Food Security,\u201d https:\/\/www.wfp.org\/climate-change\/climate-impacts<\/a>, accessed November 2016.<\/p>\n 3.\u00a0The World Food Programme, \u201cClimate Change,\u201d http:\/\/www.wfp.org\/content\/climate-change<\/a>, accessed November 2016.<\/p>\n 4. The Atlantic, \u201cFood Security and Climate Change: The True Cost of Carbon,\u201d http:\/\/www.theatlantic.com\/health\/archive\/2011\/09\/food-security-and-climate-change-the-true-cost-of-carbon\/245608\/<\/a>, accessed November 2016.<\/p>\n 5.\u00a0USDA, \u201cClimate Change, Global Food Security, and the U.S. Food System,\u201d http:\/\/www.usda.gov\/oce\/climate_change\/FoodSecurity2015Assessment\/FullAssessment.pdf<\/a>, accessed November 2016.<\/p>\n 6. World Economic Forum, \u201cHow will climate change affect food security?,\u201d https:\/\/www.weforum.org\/agenda\/2015\/12\/how-will-climate-change-affect-food-security\/<\/a>, accessed November 2016.<\/p>\n 7. ThinkProgress, \u201cOur Future May Hold Less Food, Thanks To Climate Change,\u201d https:\/\/thinkprogress.org\/our-future-may-hold-less-food-thanks-to-climate-change-b78cff2b0e48#.brjoeitsh<\/a>, accessed November 2016.<\/p>\n 8. The Guardian, \u201cClimate talks: 4C rise will have dire effect on world hunger, UN warns,\u201d https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/global-development\/2015\/dec\/01\/climate-talks-4c-rise-dire-effect-world-hunger-un-warns<\/a>, accessed November 2016.<\/p>\n 9. The World Food Programme, \u201cClimate Change,\u201d https:\/\/www.wfp.org\/climate-change<\/a>, accessed November 2016.<\/p>\n 10.The World Food Programme, \u201cClimate And Food Security Analyses,\u201d https:\/\/www.wfp.org\/climate-change\/innovations\/analyses<\/a>, accessed November 2016.<\/p>\n![\"700_gua_achotalito_200803wfp-hugo_rodriguez_013\"](\"https:\/\/d3.harvard.edu\/platform-rctom\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2016\/11\/700_GUA_ACHOTALITO_200803WFP-Hugo_Rodriguez_013.jpg\")
<\/a>[3]<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nProjecting vulnerability for food insecurity (darker shades) by 2050 assuming emissions are slightly reduced, and with a low level of adaptation<\/em><\/h5>\n
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