Food security
Having enough safe, nutritious food to feed everyone. It is challenged by a growing population and changing climate.
Last updated
Analogy
A full cupboard for the whole planet.
In practice
Better crop varieties and less food waste can help feed more people.
Practice
Flashcards
- Why is food security a worry?The population is growing and climate change can reduce crop yields.
Questions people ask
What factors threaten food security?
A growing population needs more food. Climate change can cause droughts and floods that reduce harvests. Pests and plant diseases destroy crops. Wars and poverty make it hard for some people to afford or reach food. Waste is also large, as much food is thrown away.
How can food production be made more sustainable?
Farmers can use biological control, such as natural predators, to reduce pesticide use. Crops can be rotated to protect soil. Better varieties through selective breeding or genetic engineering can raise yield. Reducing food waste and eating less meat also saves land, water and energy.