VI  Food Security in Climate Change Scenarios 

Agricultural production is very much dependent upon environmental variables and is also an important agent of environmental change. Hence it is critical to examine the possible consequences of global warming on agricultural sustainability and food security. Climate change will affect agriculture in different regions of the world in different proportions. Some factors that will play an important role are the degree of temperature increase, its geographic distribution, precipitation patterns (which will determine water supply to crops), radiation and other climate parameters. Hot and arid region countries are likely to face decrease in productivity and cold countries may start producing food. So there will be a shift in the place of production. A major adaptive response will be the breeding of heat- and drought-resistant crop varieties. 

The role of climate as a determinant of agriculture has long been recognized. It is only in the last decade, however, that the reciprocal effect has come to light: the role of agriculture as a potential contributor to climate change. Clearing forests for fields, burning crop residues, submerging land in rice paddies, raising large herds of cattle and other ruminants and fertilizing with nitrogen, all release greenhouse gases to the atmosphere.

More over with industrialization, our food is now grown and processed in fewer locations, and it has to travel a long distance to reach the average consumer. Although this method of production is considered efficient and economically profitable for large agribusiness corporations, it is harmful to the environment, rural communities and consumers. A large amount of fossil fuel is used to transport foods through long distances. Combustion of these fuels releases harmful gases, particulate matter and other pollutants into the atmosphere, contributing to global climate change. Food miles can be reduced through localization of food. We could consume local foods which are raised nearby, are fresh and undergo minimal processing. This will also help small farmers and entrepreneurs to gain self-sufficiency in food production and distribution.    
 
Modern commercialised agricultural practices are affecting the world's scarce, non-renewable resources. Genetic modification of crops is posing a high risk. While innovation needs to be promoted it is important to ensure that traditional knowledge is preserved and humans, livestock, soil, bio-diversity and environment are not affected negatively.

We have the choices. Various alternatives are available in terms of how to reduce GHGs, the crops we could grow and the ways to grow crops, distribute food, and the types of food we could consume. Perhaps it is now time to choose.

Source: http://www.gcrio.org/CONSEQUENCES/summer95/agriculture.html