In a recent report by the United Nations, it has been disclosed that violent weather conditions, worsened by climate change, have led to an increase in hunger and food insecurity in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2023. These climatic changes are not merely affecting the environment and ecosystems but are also severely impacting food supply chains and agricultural productivity.

Hot weather and drought, both attributes of the El Niño phenomenon, have led to a rise in crop prices in several countries including Argentina, Mexico, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic. In contrast, Ecuador experienced heavy rainfall which resulted in a staggering 32-54% increase in wholesale prices. These price surges due to extreme weather conditions are exacerbating the already high costs of food, thereby creating a more challenging environment for the residents of these countries.

In spite of the existence of social safety nets, the reality remains that the poorest and most vulnerable populations, particularly those living in rural areas, are still more susceptible to food insecurity due to climate change. A 2020 study revealed that 36% of 439 small farms located in rural Honduras and Guatemala had experienced episodic food insecurity due to extreme weather events. This statistic is a clear testament to the fact that climate variability and extreme weather events are not only disrupting agricultural productivity but also food supply chains, thereby causing a rise in prices. These factors are obstructing the progress in reducing hunger and malnutrition in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The 2024 Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition report indicates a worrying trend. An alarming 74% of countries in the region are significantly exposed to high-frequency weather events. Moreover, 52% of these countries are more likely to experience increased undernourishment due to these phenomena. This is a major cause for concern as the prevalence of undernourishment has increased by 1.5 percentage points in countries affected by climate variability and extremes between 2019 and 2023.

Even though the number of people affected by hunger in the region showed a decrease in 2023, disparities among sub-regions are still evident. For instance, the Caribbean has shown an increase in hunger prevalence over the last two years. This underlines the necessity for more targeted and region-specific policies and interventions to manage and mitigate the impacts of climate change on food security.

Climate change is not a distant issue for future generations to tackle, but a current reality affecting our food systems today. As extreme weather conditions worsen due to climate change, the risk of food insecurity and hunger in Latin America and the Caribbean increases. It is imperative for global leaders and policy-makers to take urgent action against climate change to ensure food security and nutrition for all.

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