Director of Public Policy, United Nations World Food Program
Director of Public Policy at the United Nations World Food Program
PROFILE
Nancy Roman
Guest
FROM Nancy Roman
Which Way, L.A.?
Our Unsustainable Table: Another Global Food Crisis? In 2008, a combination of natural events and economic conditions drove food prices so high that food riots erupted in many parts of the world. This year, there's concern that the same thing may be happening again. But the ravages of 2008 aren't yet over.
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. 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?
To the Point
What Can Be Done to Ease the Global Food Crisis? Americans have been getting a taste of the global food crisis at the check-out counter in recent days, as chain stores including Costco and Sam's club have put a limit on the sale of specialty rice. The United Nations has called the current crisis a " perfect storm " of rising demand from developing countries, the impact of climate change, and policy responses by governments. What policy changes does the west need to make to end the crisis? How has the use of farm land for ethanol production affected global food supplies? How are Wall Street investors helping to keep commodities prices high? What are the long-term solutions for feeding the hungry?
To the Point
The Skyrocketing Price of Feeding the Poor Food prices are reaching levels never seen before at the same time the number of needy people is rising. Food riots have already occurred around the world, and the World Bank predicts political and social unrest over food in 30 to 40 countries. The United Nations World Food Program spends $3 billion, but needs $500 million more just to keep up. With food prices increasing as demand goes up, we look at the "new face" of hunger—worldwide and what the drive for bio-fuels has to do with it.
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