Food security is under threat worldwide. Conflicts and wars are disrupting supply chains, and increasingly frequent extreme weather events caused by climate change are making crop cultivation and livestock farming more difficult. The situation in Germany is no exception: food supplies are under increasing pressure, prices are rising, and the risk of future shortages caused by multiple crises is growing.

While in the United Kingdom, for example, the stability of the food supply is the subject of public discussion and regarded as a critical factor for national security, this debate is still far too limited in Germany. When it does occur, the focus is often solely on how to further increase production volumes. What is overlooked or ignored is that a key vulnerability in our food system lies in the current scale of animal agriculture and prevailing dietary patterns—a more plant-based diet and a corresponding transformation of agriculture are among the most important levers for resilience and food security.

Prof. Paul Behrens is a researcher on the transformation of food systems at the Oxford Martin School and is one of the leading voices in the UK debate on national security in light of the climate crisis (including the “National Emergency Briefing”). In his presentation, he will explain global trends and highlight the opportunities presented by dietary shift. Presentation in English.

Dr. Claudia Hunecke works at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research on issues related to the transformation of food systems in Germany and globally. She played a key role in developing the Leibniz Association’s concept of “Sustainable and Resilient Agrifood Systems” (SARAS). In her presentation, she will highlight the risks to food security and outlines potential solutions, with a specific focus on Germany. Presentation in German, live English translation available.

Following the two presentations, there will be time for questions and discussion.

Moderators
Dr. Friederike Schmitz, Policy Analyst at Faba Konzepte
Konstantinos Tsilimekis, Head of the Agriculture and Food Division at Germanwatch