Handbook of Climate Change Across the Food Supply Chain

Climate change affects the entire food chain, with primary production being the main source of greenhouse gas emissions. This approach emphasizes the role of the entire food chain, highlighting different environmental impacts affecting climate change. Temperature changes, precipitation patterns, extreme weather events, and water reduction are recognized as predictors of producing less food, decreased food quality, new food safety risks, biodiversity losses, and depletion of resources associated with food production in modified circumstances. The "Handbook of Climate change across the food supply chain" is being produced to promote and disseminate information on climate change related to the food system, and it is expected to increase the demand for climate services.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 489 pages
Publication date: 23 April 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Climate change is a pervasive and far-reaching phenomenon that impacts every aspect of the food chain, from the production of crops and livestock to the consumption of food by humans. Numerous studies have been conducted to examine the environmental consequences of food systems, and the results consistently indicate significant contributions of food production to climate change. Greenhouse gases, specifically carbon dioxide and methane, are widely recognized as the primary drivers of this phenomenon, leading to the warming of the atmosphere and the subsequent effects on global climate.

However, a broader perspective reveals that the food chain extends beyond individual farms and encompasses a complex network of interconnected systems. At the end of the chain, consumers are the final beneficiaries, but their actions and choices also play a crucial role in shaping the environmental impact of the food system.

One of the key insights from this approach is the recognition of the diverse environmental impacts that occur throughout the food chain. These impacts include the emission of greenhouse gases, deforestation, water pollution, soil degradation, and the use of harmful pesticides and fertilizers. Each stage of the food chain contributes to these issues, and addressing them requires a comprehensive and collaborative effort.

Furthermore, climate change is not only affecting the production of food but also its quality and safety. Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can lead to reduced yields, decreased nutritional value, and the emergence of new foodborne diseases. Extreme weather events, such as droughts, floods, and hurricanes, can also damage crops and disrupt food supply chains, leading to food shortages and price fluctuations.

In addition to these direct impacts, climate change also poses significant threats to food security. According to some estimates, almost one billion people worldwide are hungry or undernourished due to the effects of climate change. This hunger and malnutrition not only affect individual well-being but also have broader societal consequences, including increased social unrest, political instability, and economic challenges.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the United Nations has emphasized the need for combating climate change and promoting sustainable (food) consumption and production. The "Handbook of Climate Change across the Food Supply Chain" is a valuable resource that aims to provide information, experiences, practical initiatives, and projects related to climate change and its impact on the food system. The publication compiles a wealth of knowledge and expertise from various stakeholders, including scientists, policymakers, farmers, and consumers.

By making this information accessible to a wide audience, the "Handbook" seeks to promote awareness and understanding of the challenges posed by climate change and the opportunities available for mitigating its effects. It provides practical guidance on sustainable farming practices, food waste reduction, and climate-smart consumption, among other topics.

In conclusion, climate change is a global phenomenon that affects the entire food chain, from production to consumption. It has significant environmental consequences, including the emission of greenhouse gases, deforestation, water pollution, and soil degradation. Moreover, climate change poses threats to food security, leading to hunger, malnutrition, and social unrest. By promoting sustainable (food) consumption and production, and by utilizing resources such as the "Handbook of Climate Change across the Food Supply Chain," we can work towards mitigating the effects of climate change and ensuring a more sustainable and equitable food system for future generations.

Weight: 771g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030879365
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022