Impact of climate change and bioenergy on nutrition
Authors/Editors: Marc J. Cohen, Food Consumption and Nutrition Division, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Cristina Tirado, Consultant, IFPRI, Noora-Lisa Aberman, IFPRI, and Brian Thompson, Nutrition and Consumer Protection Division, FAO
Publisher/Journal: FAO and the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)
Publication date: 2008
Language: English
Number of pages: 91
Overview
The paper begins by laying out the current state of global food insecurity and malnutrition, including magnitude, trends and future projections. The causes, consequences and costs of food insecurity and malnutrition are explored. Malnutrition is clearly a severe impediment to sustainable development and human security as it slows down economic growth and the achievement of equity. The paper briefly lays out a number of factors besides climate change, bioenergy and rising prices that will likely contribute to malnutrition in the future.
The paper then explores the implications of climate change and rising bioenergy demand for nutrition. Agricultural activities contribute to climate change, but can also play an important role in adaptation and mitigation strategies, as well as in boosting food availability.
Next, the paper examines the direct nutrition effects of rising bioenergy demand, as well as its contribution to rising food prices. It also discusses potential strategies for cultivation of bioenergy crops that can contribute to poverty reduction, food security and sustainable natural resource management. A chapter on policy implications provides a number of options for improving food security and nutrition, as well as for addressing the links between climate change and bioenergy demand on the one hand and nutrition on the other. The paper concludes with recommendations.