Introduction & Context
Conflict remains the single largest factor driving people into acute hunger, destroying infrastructure and forcing mass displacement. But climate events—like unseasonal storms, extreme heat waves, and repeated droughts—compound the problem by devastating agriculture. This year’s report by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Food Programme (WFP) reveals an unprecedented confluence of multiple crises at once, outpacing humanitarian funding. The global hunger count has spiked since the early 2020s, reversing decades of progress. Supply chain disruptions—from the war in Ukraine to pandemic aftereffects—also hinder food deliveries to vulnerable countries. UN experts call for integrated approaches that address both the immediate crisis (through food aid) and long-term resilience (through climate adaptation and conflict resolution).
Background & History
Global hunger numbers fell steadily after the 1990s, until conflicts in Syria, Yemen, and parts of Africa reversed the trend in the 2010s. Climate scientists warned of intensifying weather extremes impacting traditional farming regions. Meanwhile, the war in Ukraine significantly reduced grain exports, affecting countries already on the brink. In 2023–2024, extreme weather battered multiple regions simultaneously: East Africa saw its worst drought in decades, and parts of Asia faced unprecedented flooding. Coupled with ongoing fighting, these disasters ruined harvests and displaced millions. Donor fatigue also plays a role, as persistent crises strain philanthropic and governmental resources.
Key Stakeholders & Perspectives
- UN agencies manage global hunger data collection and orchestrate relief but frequently lament insufficient funding.
- War-affected countries rely on emergency aid yet often find aid convoys blocked or insufficient. Political solutions remain elusive.
- International donors like the U.S., EU, and Japan historically contribute the bulk of food relief but have domestic priorities too, especially amid economic strains.
- Local farmers in affected areas struggle to adapt to changing rainfall patterns, pests, or reduced market access due to conflicts.
Analysis & Implications
The interplay of conflict and climate emerges as a vicious cycle: wars hinder environmental management, while climate crises exacerbate resources competition, fueling more conflict. For example, in parts of Africa, scarce water resources lead to disputes among communities, sometimes morphing into armed confrontations. On a global scale, persistent hunger can drive migration, social unrest, and health crises, ultimately affecting trade and stability. Food price spikes in vulnerable countries can quickly ripple outward, influencing commodity markets. The path to alleviating the crisis must integrate peace-building, climate-resilient agriculture, and innovative financing for humanitarian aid.
Looking Ahead
Experts caution that current conditions could worsen if major conflicts intensify or if global warming triggers more frequent crop failures. The UN appeals for billions more in emergency funding, plus structured investments in climate adaptation: drought-resistant seeds, better irrigation, reforestation, and advanced early warning systems for disasters. Diplomatically, forging ceasefires in conflict zones is a priority. While the role of superpowers is critical, these negotiations remain complex. If even partial peace can be achieved in areas like Yemen or parts of the Sahel, humanitarian groups could deliver aid more effectively. Progress in controlling global carbon emissions might help reduce long-term climate threats, though near-term adaptation remains essential.
Our Experts' Perspectives
- A WFP coordinator urges wealthier nations to step up, as the cost of inaction—regional instability, refugee crises—often exceeds preventive spending.
- A climate scientist underscores the immediate need for more resilient farming techniques: ignoring climate’s role will keep us in perpetual crisis management.
- A conflict resolution advocate calls for local peace agreements to secure safe corridors for food delivery, stating that in war zones, politics and hunger are inseparable.