Adaptation strategies needed to build resilience

10 September 2007, Rome – Climate change is emerging as one of the main challenges humankind will have to face for many years to come. It could become a major threat to world food security, as it has a strong impact on food production, access and distribution.

Abnormal changes in air temperature and rainfall and the increasing frequency and intensity of drought and floods have long-term implications for the viability and productivity of world agro-ecosystems.

This was the main message delivered today by Alexander Müller, FAO Assistant Director General, to over 140 world experts convened in Rome for a workshop on “Adaptation Planning and Strategies.” While continuing to deal with the causes of climate change — by reducing emissions and increasing greenhouse gas sinks — it is crucial, Müller said, to also take immediate action to cope with its effects. Ways must be found to build up peoples’ resilience as well as that of food production systems, he added.

Read the full story from the FAO