Impact of climate change on food production: Options for importing countries

This policy brief identifies possible implications of climate change disturbances on crops and livestock in world production centers by 2030, 2050 and 2080. Most of the studies on food systems under climate change are producer-centric, while this brief looks at options for importing countries, and discusses some recommendations.

The imperative of climate change adaptation for a resilient food system requires institutional, technological and economic transformation not only in food exporting but also food importing countries. Furthermore, mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions in the agriculture and food sectors require costs that can lead to higher food prices from exporting countries, which may affect food consumers in all countries. Inaction and delays in mitigating and adapting to climate change can be catastrophic for food and agriculture. Adaptation policy in food and agricultural sectors need to be developed beyond unilateral efforts where every producing country resolves its own food affairs through self-sufficiency and/or trade.