Original Publication Date: November 13, 2013
Author: Céline Charveriat, Oxfam’s Director of Advocacy and Campaigns
Introduction
The devastating impact of Typhoon Haiyan, which claimed an estimated 10,000 lives and affected nearly 9.7 million people, has reignited discussions about climate change. While many Europeans have rallied behind relief efforts, there remains a widespread misconception that climate change will have minimal impact on Europe. However, recent reports suggest otherwise, emphasizing the urgent need to address climate-related challenges, particularly in the food and agriculture sectors.
Climate Change and Europe’s Agricultural Sector
Agriculture, a critical component of the EU economy representing 3.5% of GDP and employing 17 million people, faces significant risks from climate change. Rising temperatures and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns threaten to destabilize the sector rather than boost yields. The 2003 heatwave, which reduced crop yields by up to 36% and caused regional economic losses of approximately €13 billion, serves as a stark reminder of potential future impacts. Additionally, the northward migration of pests from Africa due to warmer summers could further jeopardize crop production, leading to substantial losses.
External Vulnerabilities and Food Security
Europe’s food security is not only threatened by internal climate challenges but also by its dependence on global imports. With food imports reaching €102 billion and up to 72% coming from developing regions highly vulnerable to climate change, Europe remains heavily reliant on external sources. Furthermore, the EU’s livestock industry depends on the global south for 70% of its animal feed. As climate-related disruptions impact agricultural outputs in these regions, the likelihood of food price spikes becomes increasingly inevitable.
Social and Economic Impacts
For many Europeans, rising food prices will necessitate difficult financial decisions. This burden will be particularly felt in Eastern Europe, where the lowest-income households spend nearly half of their income on food. Such volatility is expected to exacerbate poverty and inequality, especially in the wake of austerity measures already straining household budgets.
The Role of European Food Companies
European food companies, with extensive global supply chains, are also at risk. In South and Southeast Asia, where much of the world’s rice is sourced, flooding results in an estimated $1 billion in annual yield losses. Oxfam’s Behind the Brands campaign calls on the top ten food companies to take stronger climate action and leverage their influence to advocate for a low-carbon economy and resilient food systems.
Moving Towards Climate Action
With food security increasingly at the forefront of global discussions, world leaders are beginning to recognize the pressing need for decisive climate action. The UN climate negotiations offer a critical opportunity to prioritize food security alongside energy concerns and push for comprehensive policies to mitigate climate change’s effects.
Conclusion
The assumption that Europe can escape the worst consequences of climate change is misguided. As climate pressures intensify both within and beyond Europe, proactive measures are crucial to safeguard food security, support vulnerable populations, and transition towards a sustainable, low-carbon economy. Oxfam and other advocacy organizations will continue to push for bold actions from policymakers and businesses alike to address this global crisis effectively.