The
question that is vexing policy makers and analysts alike worldwide is climate
change — is sending jitters across the World. One of the ripple effects, is
food security, crisis thereof. India has not yet experienced riots over rising
food prices linked to inflation that have hit other countries like Zimbabwe or
Argentina – if an added effect of climate change is added to this, it is a worrying signal. In the capital, Delhi, milk
costs 11% more than last year. Edible oil prices have climbed by a whopping 40%
over the same period. More crucially, rice prices have risen by 20% and prices
of certain lentils by 18%. Rice and lentils comprise the staple diet for many
Indians.
With
a rapidly deteriorating climate condition and lack of consensus with regard to
way forward, food security situation in India – a country with over billion
people is a definite cause for concern, not only for Indian policy-makers but
also other economies, considering earning/spending capacities impact global
consumption in general. We are dangerously close to the final frontier and we
will need to appreciate the fact that with the changing world, the chances that
we will see a shift in terms of climate and environment around us is immense
while at the same time, whether such a change is for the better is in doubt.
- - Abhijith
P.S.:
The image displayed here is an award winning poster on Global Warming
