Vulnerability of global food production to extreme climatic events

Yenı F., Alpas H.

FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL, vol.96, pp.27-39, 2017 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 96
  • Publication Date: 2017
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.foodres.2017.03.020
  • Journal Name: FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.27-39
  • Keywords: Food safety, Vulnerability analysis, Extreme climatic events, Adaptation, Primary production, WATERBORNE DISEASE OUTBREAKS, WEATHER EVENTS, FRESH PRODUCE, NEW-ORLEANS, COMPOSITE INDICATORS, HURRICANES KATRINA, CROP PRODUCTION, HUMAN HEALTH, CONTAMINATION, SYSTEMS
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

It is known that the frequency, intensity or duration of the extreme climatic events have been changing substantially. The ultimate goal of this study was to identify current vulnerabilities of global primary food production against extreme climatic events, and to discuss potential entry points for adaptation planning by means of an explorative vulnerability analysis. Outcomes of this analysis were demonstrated as a composite index where 118 country performances in maintaining safety of food production were compared and ranked against climate change. In order to better interpret the results, cluster analysis technique was used as a tool to group the countries based on their vulnerability index (VI) scores. Results suggested that one sixth of the countries analyzed were subject to high level of exposure (0.45-1), one third to high to very high level of sensitivity (0.41-1) and low to moderate level of adaptive capacity (0-0.59). Proper adaptation strategies for reducing the microbial and chemical contamination of food products, soil and waters on the field were proposed. Finally, availability of data on food safety management systems and occurrence of foodborne outbreaks with global coverage were proposed as key factors for improving the robustness of future vulnerability assessments. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.