The impacts of climate change for food and nutrition security: Issues for India

Abstract

This chapter reviews current knowledge on the potential effects of climate change on food and nutrition security in India. It finds that India’s food systems are highly vulnerable to climate change on a number of fronts. A key finding emphasized in the chapter is that these effects will impact not just on agricultural production arrangements, but on the wider food system through the impacts of climate change on food prices, the composition of the rural economy, and the potential effects of severe weather and sea-level rise. Despite efforts by the Government of India, the nation remains inadequately prepared for the magnitude of effects, should the worst effects eventuate. There is a profound need for further research in India regarding the full food system implications of climate change, particularly with respect to the adaptation needs of vulnerable communities.