Climate resilience in food supply chains

The PhD focus is to accelerate our understanding of climate resilience in the context of food supply chains. Climate change is currently well underway, with the global average temperature having already risen by 1°C since preindustrial times. Climate change poses a significant challenge for food supply chains worldwide. The rise in global temperatures and alterations in various climate factors have the potential to disrupt food supply chains at every stage, from production to consumption, including processing, storage, transportation, and retailing. Climate variations have a direct impact on both the quantity and quality of food produced, affecting all three primary sectors of food production: agriculture, fisheries, and livestock. Excessive rainfall and extreme droughts can lead to yield losses. Heat stress can reduce productivity and increase mortality in livestock production systems. Higher global temperatures could cause an increase in food-borne illnesses and negatively affect food safety. The aim of this PhD project is to examine the impact of climate change on food supply chains and explore the challenges and opportunities that arise as a result. This study would improve our understanding regarding the types of hazards and impacts, and adaptation strategies that food supply chains are adopting to face climate change. The capacity of present and future food supply chains to sustain livelihoods and meet the growing demand for food is in jeopardy, making this research critical.