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August 6, 2008 | Protectionism Can Lead to Global Food Crisis

Food security is increasingly an issue in many parts of the developing world. ++ In countries that are net importers of food, e.g. Egypt or the Philippines, soaring prices lead to economic and political crises. ++ To help solve the problem the EU should increase its output: abandon restraints on production, review plans to switch land from food to biofuels, and increase expenditure on food

May 8, 2008 | "Mass Starvation is Completely Avoidable"

Even without the food crisis, hundreds of millions do not have enough food. ++ We should demonstrate utmost concern and use this crisis as an opportunity to bring long overdue reforms and help vulnerable populations overcome long-existing food shortages. ++ Guaranteeing global food security requires solving structural problems, ending unfair trade practices, and tackling climate change

March 10, 2008 | The Perverse Effects of Biofuels

Despite progress on climate change, there is an imminent threat on food security. ++ Decreased rainfalls and the rush to grow biofuels in an unsustainable manner is causing food prices to soar and putting the world at risk of a food crisis. ++ Expected growth of the population and increasing wealth in developing nations will exacerbate the problem by exerting added pressure on food and energy

March 3, 2008 | Food Prices Soar: Few Are Able to Reap Benefits

Farmers are among the few beneficiaries of skyrocketing global food prices. ++ Governmental subsidies for producing biofuels combined with droughts and a growing demand for animal feed account for the high prices. ++ Food and energy issues are beginning to collide. ++ Speculation accounts for some of the price escalation, but as arable land becomes scarcer, prices are likely to remain high.

August 16, 2007 | Jeffrey Sachs: Hundreds of Millions Destined to Flee Environmental Pressures in the Coming Decades

Jeffrey D. Sachs writes in the Scientific American that the coming decades may see the mass-migration of hundreds of millions of “environmental refugees” seeking better living conditions and above all available water. It will be important to keep an eye on at least four vulnerable climate zones:

• Coastal areas. The 10% of the global population living in these areas is highly vulnerable to