The world’s population is set to reach 9 billion by 2050, which will require a 60% increase in agricultural production if everyone is to be fed. Over the same period climate change, water scarcity and land degradation could reduce food production by one quarter, leading to further increases in the number of people suffering hunger.
It is those who are already poor and vulnerable who will be worst affected, despite having contributed least to the causes of climate change. The global challenges of hunger, nutrition and climate justice are linked. To be credible, the global response must be based on a clear understanding of the rights and the reality of the lives of the people most affected, now and in the future. We need to move away from a business-as-usual approach to development if these global challenges are to be resolved in our lifetimes.
The Irish Government and the Mary Robinson Foundation – Climate Justice will convene an international conference in Dublin on 15-16 April 2013 to open dialogue and debate on these linked challenges, and to encourage and inspire innovative thinking and solutions. The conference is being organised in partnership with the World Food Programme and the CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS).