The Global Food Shortages Caused by Putin’s War (Der Spiegel – International)

Der Spiegel published an article asking what can be done to stop a hunger disaster of global dimensions? Russian missiles are destroying Ukraine fields that grow corn and wheat worldwide. Workers who would usually be spreading fertilizer at this time of year are operating the checkpoints, while others have sought shelter in their cellars. It is a collapse that doesn’t just have consequences for Ukraine. It could trigger famine in several different corners of the world. Senior research fellow David Laborde said the situation could lead to unrest and mass displacement worldwide. “Depending on where I live, that could mean that I’ll have to pay more for food, eat less, or die because I was already on the brink.” Our problem is that we have been saddled with one crisis after the next.” Each country has its own history, problems, and crises. Then the coronavirus pandemic came along and crippled global supply chains. Public debt continued to rise, renewed demand caused energy prices to climb, and inflation arrived. Laborde added that it is hardly likely that China will suddenly offer its reserves on the world market. He is calling on policymakers to crack down on hoarding to avoid artificially fueling the shortage.