Sustainable future hinges on reducing global warming, raising food production by 40%: Deloitte

Without change, global warming could cost $13t in agriculture losses by 2070.

To feed the world sustainably by 2070, world leaders must limit global warming to below 2°C and increase food production by 40% to support an estimated 10 billion people.

In a report, Deloitte said that transforming the global food system sustainably could provide proper nutrition for 1.6 billion more people by 2070.

The report projected that nearly 20% of the additional food produced would reach regions with the highest hunger rates, helping 300 million more undernourished people.

Meanwhile, failing to act on climate change could cost the global economy US$190t between 2025 and 2070 and would slash the value of key food production industries, including crops, livestock, dairy, and fisheries, by US$13t.

On the other hand, transitioning to sustainable food systems increases global food production by 9%, adding US$22t to food system output by 2070.

This production growth will feed the expected global population of nearly 10 billion people and lower food prices by 16%, making healthier diets more affordable and accessible.

Lower-income countries will gain the most, with a 12% GDP boost and the largest rise in food consumption per capita, adding an average of 626 calories per person daily by 2070.