It's time to consider Global Catastrophic Food Failures
- N. J. Wescombe, J. García Martínez, F. U. Jehn, N. Wunderling, A. Tzachor, V. Sandström, M. Cassidy, R. Ainsworth, D. Denkenberger
Summary
The authors introduce Global Catastrophic Food Failure (GCFF) and argue that a diverse, collaborative research agenda across multiple research fields is essential to fill knowledge gaps and strengthen food system resilience.
Abstract
Food systems today face interconnected, systemic risks that could culminate in widespread disruptions triggering extreme global famine, in addition to neglected extreme risks. This paper introduces the concept of Global Catastrophic Food Failure (GCFF) to describe such scenarios; where food shortages overwhelm response capacities of governments and private sectors, necessitating extraordinary interventions. While the exact likelihood of GCFFs is uncertain, consequences would be profound. Currently, GCFF is a blind spot requiring research and policy efforts to strengthen food systems’ resilience and capacity to sustain humanity.