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Sustainable development

Strengthening the Global Food System with Distributed Renewable Energy

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The world's food system is at a crossroads. Climate change, coupled with a growing population, threatens its very survival. To prevent it from unraveling, distributed renewable-energy solutions are crucial for reducing greenhouse-gas emissions, improving resilience and productivity, and cutting costs. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 7 (access to modern energy) and SDG 2 (zero hunger), are inextricably linked in achieving a sustainable and climate-friendly food system.

Key Takeaways:

  • The global food system is under significant strain due to climate change and population growth, with 52% of employed people in Sub-Saharan Africa active in the agricultural sector.
  • Agriculture accounts for roughly one-third of all GHG emissions, threatening the future of agriculture and food security.
  • Distributed renewable energy can significantly contribute to stabilizing the global food system by lowering energy costs, facilitating financing for productive applications, and reducing GHG emissions.
  • Solar-powered irrigation has improved water access and increased productivity in countries like India and Rwanda.
  • Decentralized cold-storage solutions powered by renewable energy can improve market access and reduce spoilage for smallholder farmers and remote communities.
  • Scaling up distributed renewable energy innovations can address the energy challenges faced by smallholder farmers, processors, and consumers while reducing carbon footprint.
  • A new framework is needed to reduce land use, enhance productivity, minimize food loss, and cut GHG emissions, with renewable energy at its foundation.

Statistics:

  • Agriculture accounts for more than 25% of GDP in some of the least-developed countries.
  • A single drought can lower an African country's medium-term economic-growth potential by one percentage point (International Monetary Fund).
  • Solar-powered pumps have boosted farmers' incomes by more than 50% in India.
  • Solar-powered milling machines can make grinding grain into flour more efficient, affordable, and sustainable in Sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Decentralized renewable energy can enable communities to preserve their produce locally and reduce food loss.
  • Renewable energy-powered cold storage can make cold chains more environmentally friendly and affordable.

Sources:

  • United Nations (SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 2: Zero Hunger)
  • International Monetary Fund (impact of droughts on African economies)
  • Report on the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York and the UN Food Systems Summit +2 Stocktaking Moment in Rome

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