La United Nations Organization for Food and Agriculture (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO) have launched a large-scale initiative to address the challenges of global food systemThe second international conference on nutrition (ICN2), to be held in Rome, has a central focus on how to reorganize global governance around the three major challenges of the XNUMXst century: malnutrition, health problems and environmental impact.
First challenge: Global malnutrition
One of the most alarming problems of our time is the malnutrition. According to recent data, one third of children in developing countries are underweight or stunted. In addition, around 100% of children are underweight or stunted. 2 billion people suffer from deficiencies of micronutrients and over 840 million suffer from chronic hunger.
Malnutrition does not only have a physical impact. According to UNICEF, acute and chronic malnutrition affects both the physical and cognitive development of children. 148 million children Children under five years of age suffer from stunted growth, which means slower growth and shorter height for their age. Likewise, 45 million children suffer from severe acute malnutrition, a condition that requires immediate treatment. In addition, more than 340 million children of this same age group suffer micronutrient deficiencies, affecting their immune system and brain development.
Second challenge: Health problems caused by food production and consumption
The second challenge is related to health problems arising from the Industrial production and inadequate food consumption. More than 1,500 million people in the world suffer from overweight or obesityThis is mainly due to a diet rich in ultra-processed products, fats and sugars, which, despite providing calories, lack essential micronutrients. This leads to an increase in diseases non-communicable such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The problem of overconsumption and malnutrition is not only a problem of physical health, but also of social imbalanceIn many communities, access to healthy foods is limited, reinforcing the dependence on ultra-processed and less nutritious foods. This trend has negative consequences for both developed and developing countries, where malnutrition and obesity coexist.
Third challenge: The environmental impact of food production
Food production also has a devastating impact on the environment. Agriculture and livestock They are responsible for a large part of greenhouse gas emissions, in addition to the use of pesticides y Chemical fertilizers, which affect biodiversity and human health. Another critical problem is food waste, which accounts for more than a third of total global production and contributes to the climate crisis. For example, according to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 1,300 billion tons of food are wasted every year worldwide.
Comprehensive policies and solutions
Addressing the three major challenges requires the implementation of integrated policies based on sustainability and equity. Below are some of the measures proposed by experts and international organizations:
- Setting global standards to promote food production in a fair, equitable and sustainable manner.
- Reduce incentives for the production of ultra-processed foods, which contribute to rising rates of obesity and malnutrition.
- Promote local and sustainable production, minimizing the use of toxic inputs such as pesticides and fertilizers.
- Reducing food waste and improve efficiency in distribution systems.
In addition, it is essential to promote access to healthy diets for the entire population, focusing on fresh, natural and sustainable products, limiting the consumption of red meat and processed foods.
By 2030, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) aim to end all forms of malnutrition and ensure food security for the entire world's population. Only joint and coordinated action between governments, organizations and citizens will make it possible to face these challenges and ensure a sustainable future. sustainable future for the next generations.