To the Point
Does the World Face Another Food Crisis?
Two years ago, a combination of natural events and economic conditions drove food prices so high that food riots erupted in many parts of the world. While the ravages of 2008 aren't yet over, this year, there's concern that the same thing may be happening again. The UN says: Be Prepared.
By Warren Olney • • 1 min readTwo years ago, a combination of natural events and economic conditions drove food prices so high that food riots erupted in many parts of the world. While the ravages of 2008 aren't yet over, this year, there's concern that the same thing may be happening again. The UN says: Be Prepared. Drought has led Russia to ban wheat exports; America's corn harvest is down and climate change is helping to drive world prices higher. Meantime, farmers make more by using their land for sugar, cotton, soya and bio-fuels. Is industrialized agriculture at fault? What are the prospects of another global food crisis, and what are the chances of heading it off?
Warren Olney
former KCRW broadcaster
Katie Cooper
Producer, 'One year Later'
Andrea Brody
Senior Producer, KCRW's Life Examined and To the Point podcast
Raj Patel
former Fellow; Institute for Food and Development Policy
Nancy Roman
Director of Public Policy, United Nations World Food Program
Jonathan Bloom
Freelance journalist and food waste expert