Exposing the Fragile Global Food System: Time to Act Before It's Too Late

The fragility of the global food system fills columnist George Monbiot with dread, and he argues that the war with Iran has exposed just how close the system is to collapse. Drawing on years of scientific data, Monbiot has been warning that this risk exists, and that governments are completely unprepared for it.

In a recent submission to a parliamentary inquiry into environmental change and food security, Monbiot provided a vast list of references to support his concerns. When called as a witness, he spent much of the time explaining that the issue was much wider than the inquiry's scope.

The fate of environmentalists is to spend their lives trying not to be proved right, but Monbiot dreads the collapse of the global food system more than any other threat. He cannot predict what the immediate trigger might be, but the war with Iran is just the right kind of event that could push the fragile system over the edge.

Drawing on scientific data from various studies, Monbiot has been arguing for some time that this risk exists and that governments are not prepared to handle it. The submission he made to the parliamentary inquiry in 2023 highlighted the growing threat, and his testimony expanded on the wider implications of the issue.

Monbiot's warnings come from a place of deep concern, as the fate of environmentalists is often to be proved right about the threats they have been highlighting. The collapse of the global food system is a risk that he believes cannot be ignored, and he is urging action before it's too late.

The fragility of the global food system is a complex and multifaceted issue, with various factors contributing to its vulnerability. Geopolitical tensions, climate change, supply chain disruptions, and the increasing concentration of power in the hands of a few large corporations all play a role in this growing crisis.

Monbiot's call to action is a plea for governments, policymakers, and the public to take this threat seriously and work towards building a more resilient and sustainable food system. The consequences of inaction could be dire, with the potential for widespread hunger and social unrest.

As an experienced columnist and environmental advocate, Monbiot's insights carry weight, and his warnings should not be taken lightly. The time to act is now, before the fragile global food system reaches a point of no return. Ignoring the warning signs could have catastrophic consequences for millions of people around the world.