Protect Food Systems From The Impact Of Natural Disasters
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Sponsor: The Hunger Site
Natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts can have a devastating impact on food security. These events can damage crops, disrupt transportation systems, and displace communities, making it difficult for people to access the food they need to survive1.
One of the most immediate effects of a natural disaster on food security is the destruction of crops. A hurricane can wipe out entire fields of rice, corn, and other staple foods, leaving communities without a source of food. Droughts can also damage crops, as plants struggle to survive without enough water2. In addition to destroying current crops, natural disasters can also prevent farmers from planting new ones, further exacerbating the food security crisis3.
Another way in which natural disasters can affect food security is by disrupting transportation systems. Floods can wash out roads and bridges, making it difficult for trucks to transport food to affected areas4. Hurricanes can also damage ports and airports, which can make it hard to bring in food aid from other countries. This can leave communities isolated and without access to food5.
Finally, natural disasters can displace communities, forcing people to leave their homes and farms in search of safety. This can make it difficult for people to access their stored food and can also make it hard for them to return to their land and plant new crops6. This displacement can also increase competition for food and resources in the places where people end up, further exacerbating the food security crisis7.
The impact of natural disasters on food security can be severe, and it is important for organizations that work to advocate for human rights and a reduction in global hunger to be aware of these issues. Like GreaterGood's non-profit partner Greater Good Charities, they can help by providing food aid and other forms of assistance to communities affected by natural disasters, working to improve the resilience of food systems, and advocating for policies that can help to mitigate the effects of natural disasters on food security.
However, it is important to note that addressing food security during and after a natural disaster is not a one-time solution, it requires a long-term approach. This includes investing in infrastructure and technology that can help to make food systems more resilient, supporting local communities and farmers, and promoting sustainable agriculture practices. By taking these steps, we can work to reduce the impact of natural disasters on food security and help to ensure that communities have access to the food they need to survive.
Take the pledge and ensure that food systems around the world are more resilient to natural disasters!
- United States Environmental Protection Agency (19 July 2022), "Agriculture and Natural Events and Disasters."
- Frances Robles and Luis Ferré-Sadurní, The New York Times (24 September 2017), "Puerto Rico’s Agriculture and Farmers Decimated by Maria."
- Farm Service Agency, U.S. Department Of Agriculture (12 August 2019), "Report: Farmers Prevented from Planting Crops on More than 19 Million Acres."
- Arcadia Publishing (2023), "How Natural Disasters Affect America’s Food Supply."
- iContainers (2023), "How hurricanes affect shipping and logistics."
- Elizabeth Ferris, Brookings (17 October 2008), "Displacement, Natural Disasters, and Human Rights."
- Idriss Jazairy, Inter Press Service News Agency (13 October 2017), "Food Insecurity and Forced Displacement of People: Where do we Draw the Line?"
The Pledge:
I understand that the impact of natural disasters on food security can be severe, damaging crops, disrupting transportation systems, and displacing communities, making it difficult for people to access the food they need to survive.
As such, I pledge to take the following steps to ensure that food systems around the world are more resilient to natural disasters:
- Support local farmers and communities
I pledge to support local farmers and communities by purchasing food from local markets and investing in projects that help to improve food security and resilience in my area.
- Promote sustainable agriculture practices
I pledge to promote sustainable agriculture practices by supporting farmers who use conservation tillage, crop rotation, and other practices that can help to reduce soil erosion and increase the resilience of crops to natural disasters.
- Invest in home food storage systems
I pledge to invest in home food storage systems such as a root cellar or pantry, to have a backup food supply in case of natural disasters.
- Participate in community-based disaster risk reduction programs
I pledge to participate in community-based disaster risk reduction programs and volunteer to help prepare my community in case of natural disasters.
- Educate yourself on climate change on food security
I pledge to educate myself on the effects of climate change on food security and advocate for policies that can help to mitigate these effects.
- Plant a vegetable garden
I pledge to plant a vegetable garden or join a community garden to increase access to fresh food and reduce dependence on long-distance food transportation.
- Store non-perishable food items
I pledge to store non-perishable food items and have a plan for how to access them in case of emergency.
- Learn how to preserve food
I pledge to learn how to preserve food through methods such as canning, drying, or fermentation to ensure a supply of food during a disaster or when fresh food is not available.
- Support research and development of new technologies
I pledge to support research and development of new technologies that can help to make global food systems more resilient to natural disasters.
- Support organizations that work on disaster relief and food security
I pledge to support organizations that work on disaster relief and food security, such as those that provide food aid and assistance to communities affected by natural disasters, like GreaterGood's non-profit partner Greater Good Charities, which is committed to both emergency hunger relief as well as providing opportunities for communities in developing countries with the tools for long-term, sustainable feeding and potential economic opportunities.
By taking these steps, I will help reduce the impact of natural disasters on food security and ensure that global food systems are more resilient.
Pledged by,
