New research suggests that climate pressures could push nearly 1 million Britons into poverty, according to The Guardian.
What's happening?
As destructive weather patterns such as floods and droughts challenge farming yields, produce prices are on the rise. A recent report by the Autonomy Institute projects that a worst-case scenario for the United Kingdom could include a 34% rise in food prices by 2050. In a best-case scenario, food inflation would reach 25% in the same time frame.
Such projections aren't entirely new. The World Bank, the European Central Bank, and World Vision have also predicted mounting food costs due to extreme weather in the future.
Why is food production important?
The increases projected by the Autonomy Institute would plunge up to 951,383 people into poverty. This would apply significant pressure on British support systems. More broadly, food insecurity can promote climate migration, which imposes additional infrastructure strain on destinations.
What's being done about climate inflation?
Growing your own food can help avoid some increasing costs at the grocery store, but this only mitigates a portion of a diet.
Reducing pollution can stabilize the weather, improve yields for farmers, and reduce food prices. Some of the best ways to do that are eating a plant-based diet, choosing sustainable transportation, and using renewable energy.
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The Autonomy Institute recommended a handful of policies to prepare for food inflation. A government-funded basket full of essentials was one recommendation. It also called for stockpiling to buffer prices, price controls on staples, and subsidies for sustainable agriculture.
"Climateflation is no longer a distant risk; it's a present reality," said Autonomy Institute Chief Executive Will Stronge, per The Guardian. "We need to build real economic resilience – and that means rethinking what public service provision can and should provide in the face of climate disruption: from delivery of basic essentials to publicly funded diners and a national buffer stock."
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