The Link Between Climate Change and Food Insecurity in Southeast Asia
As the world grapples with the effects of climate change, a newly-released survey has shed light on the growing food insecurity crisis in Southeast Asia. According to the Southeast Asia Climate Outlook Survey 2024, 70 percent of respondents are facing challenges in securing sufficient food, with rising food prices and climate change being identified as key drivers of this worrying trend.
This year’s survey, conducted by the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute, highlights the increasing levels of food insecurity in the region. The report reveals that 42.5 percent of respondents blame rising food prices for the worsening situation, while 28.8 percent point to climate change as a major factor affecting food availability.
The impacts of climate change are becoming more pronounced across Southeast Asia, with extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, typhoons, and heat waves becoming more frequent and severe. This has led to a sense of urgency among respondents, with nearly 60 percent expecting their lives to be significantly affected by climate change in the next decade.
Despite these challenges, there is a growing willingness among Southeast Asians to support climate action. The survey found that about seven in ten respondents are in favor of the implementation of national carbon taxes, with high levels of willingness to bear the personal costs that may arise from such taxes.
While concerns about food insecurity continue to rise, there is also a momentum for decarbonization in the region. Vietnam and Indonesia have shown high levels of support for carbon taxes, indicating a strong commitment to addressing the climate crisis.
The findings of the survey track regional climate perceptions during a crucial time marked by post-pandemic recovery, increased climate ambition, and rising geopolitical uncertainties. Japan has emerged as a top global leader in climate action, overtaking the European Union in climate innovation and leadership, according to respondents.
As Southeast Asia grapples with the dual challenges of food insecurity and climate change, it is clear that urgent action is needed to mitigate the impacts of these crises and build a more sustainable future for the region.
