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Global Climate Change and Its Impacts

the exacerbation of global food safety and malnutrition risks.
【1】Reduction in Food Supply
Climate change-induced issues such as droughts, floods, and pests and diseases have
led to a reduction in global food supply. The decline in food production has not only impact-
ed food accessibility but also driven up food prices, making it more difficult for low-income
families to afford sufficient food. For instance, the drought in Southern Africa in 2019 caused
a significant decline in maize production, driving up maize prices and plunging many house-
holds into a food shortage crisis.
2.Rise in Food Prices
The reduction in food supply and increased production costs have led to a rise in food
prices. For low-income families, the rise in food prices means they must spend a larger pro-
portion of their income to purchase food, thereby reducing expenditures on other basic living
needs. This economic pressure further exacerbates the risk of malnutrition.
3.Worsening of Malnutrition
The reduction in food supply and the rise in food prices have made it difficult for many
people to obtain adequate nutrition, with micronutrient deficiencies becoming particularly
prominent. For instance, deficiencies in iron, zinc, and vitamin A remain among the primary
manifestations of global malnutrition, and these micronutrients are typically found in foods
like grains, vegetables, and meat. Climate change-induced reductions in agricultural produc-
tion and rising food prices have limited access to these nutritional sources, exacerbating mal-
nutrition issues.
4.Threat of Micronutrient Deficiencies
Climate change not only affects crop yields but may also alter the nutritional composi-
tion of crops. For example, droughts and high temperatures may reduce vitamin and mineral
content in crops, further aggravating micronutrient deficiencies. For vulnerable groups such
as children and pregnant women, micronutrient deficiencies can lead to stunted growth,
weakened immunity, and impaired cognitive development.
（III）Impact of Ocean Warming and Acidification on Fisheries
Climate change has not only affected terrestrial agriculture but also exerted profound
impacts on marine ecosystems and fishery resources. Ocean warming and acidification
threaten regions reliant on seafood as a primary protein source by altering the habitats of ma-
rine life and the structure of food chains.
1.Ocean Warming
Global warming has caused rising ocean temperatures, disrupting the distribution and
reproduction of marine organisms. Many fish and shellfish species are migrating to colder
waters due to an inability to adapt to temperature changes, leading to reduced fishery re-
sources in traditional fishing grounds. For instance, cod and salmon in the North Atlantic
have migrated northward due to ocean warming, resulting in the depletion of traditional fish-
ing grounds in Europe and North America.

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