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Climate Change Reshaping Food Geopolitics: South Korea's Survival Strategy

국제_정치 2026-03-17 국제/정치

{ "title": "Global Shift in Climate Change and Food Security", "subtitle1": "Climate Change-Triggered Food Crisis: Deepening Global Impact", "subtitle2": "International Cooperation and Conflict, Shifting Geopolitical Currents", "subtitle3": "South Korea's Response Strategy: Climate Leadership and Economic Opportunities", "content": "It is becoming increasingly clear that climate change is no longer a problem confined to the environmental sector. As average temperatures rise annually and extreme weather events occur frequently, it is having a severe impact on the global economy and international affairs, beyond simple weather changes. In particular, crises related to food security are being exacerbated by climate change, emerging as a new focal point for international cooperation and conflict.\n\nIn an article for Project Syndicate, Robert Kagan pointed out that climate change is shaking up global food supply chains, leading to geopolitical conflicts and the realignment of alliances.\n\nClimate change is drastically reducing agricultural productivity in major grain-producing countries.\n\nFor example, in 2022, the global average temperature rose by approximately 1.1 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels, and repetitive droughts and floods severely impacted crop yields in major agricultural nations such as the United States, China, and Brazil. Grain prices increased by an average of over 15% compared to 2022, leading to increased economic burdens in many countries. According to data from the World Food Programme (WFP), approximately 340 million people are currently experiencing food insecurity due to climate change in 2023, and this number is expected to continue to rise.\n\nIn particular, the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) recently announced that the import price of rice has increased by over 30% due to floods in Southeast Asia, directly impacting domestic consumer prices. This demonstrates that the food crisis is not merely an external issue but a complex matter with direct implications for the domestic economy.\n\nThe issue of food is now transcending a mere economic concern, showing signs of being used as a strategic military resource. The war between Russia and Ukraine is a clear example of this.\n\nIn 2022, Russia blocked Ukrainian grain exports, using it as a bargaining chip, which led to severe food shortages in Middle Eastern and African countries. This situation exacerbated international tensions beyond the issue of hunger, highlighting the potential weaponization of food resources. Professor Park Young-jun of Seoul National University's Department of International Studies warned, “Conflicts over food resources are no longer solely a problem for developing countries. This is a global issue that can lead not only to military tensions but also to economic instability.”\n\nThe food geopolitical shifts brought about by climate change are inducing new tensions and the restructuring of cooperation among nations. Robert Kagan argued that countries directly affected by climate change in food production and supply will intensify new forms of interdependence and competition. Emerging economies like China and India are expanding cooperation with grain-exporting countries to address their domestic food shortages, while G7 nations are moving to protect their own agricultural policies, sometimes restricting information and cooperation. This suggests that climate change and food security are creating new global currents based on geographical characteristics.\n\nSome experts also view existing structural problems, in addition to climate change, as causes of the food crisis. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has indeed stated that approximately 30% of global food production is wasted during distribution and consumption. This food waste exacerbates phenomena caused by climate change and strengthens the argument for a global-level policy approach. Professor Kim Jin-soo of Seoul National University's Department of Economics stated, " , "tags" Advertisement