By Helga Jónsdóttir
Global hunger eases—but gaps persist
Recent assessments from UN agencies show that while the global situation of food security and nutrition improved slightly in 2025, the progress is uneven and far from sufficient to reach international goals by 2030. Around 7.8 % of the world’s population faces hunger, and more than two billion people live with moderate or severe food insecurity. The poorest—especially women, children and rural communities—are still the hardest hit.
Main drivers of growing risk
Conflict and instability
Wars and civil unrest continue to disrupt food systems in various regions, destroying farms, displacing populations and cutting off supply routes. In areas affected by conflict, famine looms when international aid and local economies fail to reach communities in dire need.
Climate change pressure
Extreme weather—droughts, heat waves, unpredictable rainfall—has become more frequent and intense, damaging crops and undermining farming systems. The climate crisis is no longer a backdrop; it’s a central factor pushing many towards hunger and malnutrition.
Economic strain and affordability
Even where food is available, rising prices and supply chain disruptions make nutritious diets out of reach for many. Inflation affects food, energy and transport, widening inequalities. In some poor regions, two-thirds of the population can’t afford a healthy diet.
What needs to be done—action points
To shift course, a coordinated response is essential:
- Scale up social protection: strengthen safety nets so communities can withstand shocks from war, climate, or economic instability.
- Policy integration: connect food, climate and economic policies rather than treating each as separate problems.
- Sustainable farming practices: support local farmers with tools to improve soil health, manage water, diversify crops and adopt climate-resilient farming.
- Fair trade and supply chain reform: improve market access, reduce export restrictions, and ensure small-scale producers are fairly compensated.
- International cooperation and finance: richer nations and global institutions should increase funding and support for adaptation, infrastructure, and innovations in food systems.
Why this matters for Icelanders
Iceland may be distant from many of the frontline crises, but no country is insulated. Global food shortages raise import prices, affecting cost of living. Climate instability elsewhere affects global stability, migration patterns, and economic partnerships. Moreover, as a country with strong values in sustainability and humanitarian aid, Iceland has both interest and capacity to contribute.
Addressing global hunger and food security is not just a moral imperative—it’s an investment in a more stable, resilient world.