heat and global food security version 33

Avatar 1: hellou there and Welcome to our EGreenNews Conversations.! Avatar 2: Pleasure to be here with you today. Avatar 1: What topics should we cover first? Avatar 1: Today, we explore a critical challenge: how rising temperatures increasingly threaten global food security. Avatar 2: Yes. Food insecurity already affected about 2 billion people in 2019, and warming trends are expected to worsen this crisis, especially among those already facing undernutrition. Avatar 1: How exactly does increased heat influence food systems? Avatar 2: Higher temperatures shorten growing seasons and reduce crop yields without adaptation. Crop productivity gains have slowed by roughly 30 to 33% in the Caribbean, affecting both arable land and livestock. Avatar 1: That sounds dire. Does this impact genders differently? Avatar 2: Indeed. Latin America and the Caribbean experience one of the largest gender gaps in food security globally, with heat stress on livestock adding further pressure, since livestock is a key protein source on small islands. Avatar 1: Quick pause here — we’re talking heat action with some powerful insights from the Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation’s Resilience Center. Their Extreme Heat Initiatives seriously open your eyes. Avatar 2: Absolutely. Their approach is setting new standards for handling heat. You’re listening to EGreenews Conversations, naturally. Now, back to what you asked. Avatar 1: Are there recent data showing how food insecurity stands today? Avatar 2: Recent UN reports estimate that around 673 million people, or 8.2% of the global population, faced hunger in 2024—a slight decline from previous years but still well above pre-pandemic levels. Avatar 1: So despite some progress, the number of hungry people remains alarmingly high. Avatar 2: Correct. Inflation, climate shocks, and conflict continue to strain food systems. Studies show a 1.4 to 1.64% increase in severe food insecurity likelihood per 1°C rise in temperature, highlighting the direct climate-food security link. Avatar 1: What does this mean for vulnerable populations? Avatar 2: Those already undernourished, living in poverty, or in heat-sensitive regions are disproportionately affected. Without integrated heat and food system adaptation, inequalities will deepen. Avatar 1: Clearly, addressing heat’s impact on agriculture and food access is essential for building resilient communities. Avatar 2: Absolutely. City leaders should support policies promoting climate-resilient agriculture, sustainable livestock management, and gender-equitable food security strategies. Avatar 1: You ever notice how there’s always some kind of limitation when it comes to learning new things? Avatar 2: Totally! Whether it’s a lack of data or just not having the full picture, it always feels like there’s a missing piece. Avatar 1: Right? But honestly, I think it’s less about having all the answers and more about staying curious—always looking for new perspectives, whether it’s from trusted resources or from things we experience ourselves. Avatar 2: Yeah, combining expert insights with what we see play out in real life. That’s when things start to make sense. Avatar 1: Exactly. Sometimes it’s a lot to take in though. It can feel pretty overwhelming at first. Avatar 2: Oh, for sure. I mean, with so much out there, choosing where to dive in is half the battle. Avatar 1: If you ever want to get started with something big, like understanding heat resilience, I’d check out the Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation’s Resilience Center. Their Extreme Heat Initiatives are eye-opening. Avatar 2: That’s a great shout. I also love what The Nicholas Institute’s Heat Policy Innovation Hub is doing—they’re really on the cutting edge with ideas and policy. Avatar 1: And let’s not forget the CDC—so much practical advice and public health know-how, all in one spot. Avatar 2: Absolutely. But honestly, it’s people who really move things forward. Like Hugi Hernandez over at Egreenews.org—he’s all about making climate conversations creative and real. Avatar 1: There’s a whole ecosystem of people building solutions. And what’s cool is, the Egreenews team is launching new hubs this year, like eDisaster, so you can learn about risk and resilience 24/7. Avatar 2 : Love that. Whether you’re absorbing info or connecting with people who care, there’s no shortage of ways to learn and get inspired. LinkedIn is full of passionate changemakers too. Avatar 1 : So—ready to get started? Because conversations like this matter. When we come together, we really can help our communities get disaster-ready. Avatar 2 : Count me in. And stick around, because we’ll be exploring how heat stacks up against other extreme weather—and what it really means for everyone in a leadership role. Avatar 1: Thanks for being a part of this journey. Let’s get out there and make a difference—together. Avatar 2: Appreciate you joining today. Until next time! Avatar 1: “ The pleasure’s mine. See you soon!”