ROME -- Baroness Nosheena Mobarik has urged world leaders to tackle global issues such as conflict, destruction of land, and environmental disasters, calling for those in power to “take all of humanity with us”.  

  Lady Mobarik made the comments during an interview with the Italian Insider on the fringes of the conference ‘Let Food Be Thy Medicine’ held at the Euro-Gulf Information Centre. During the interview Mobarik, a former MEP and current member of the United Kingdom’s House of Lords, addressed the causes, consequences, and potential solutions of global food insecurity. The conference was then followed by a gastro-diplomacy trip to Naples the following day.

  In the interview, Lady Mobarik emphasised migration as one of the “biggest issues” in the consequences of food insecurity during climate change. As food insecurity becomes increasingly prominent, the number of migrants is likely to increase in coming years as more and more communities become displaced due to environmental changes and emerging conflicts. 

  “These are black and white issues, we have to call them out for what they are,” Lady Mobarik explained as she urged leaders to tackle global conflicts, destruction of land, and environmental disasters head-on and include all areas of the world. “We need to take all of humanity with us.” 

  She highlighted the disparity between the East and the West, with countries like Pakistan, which contribute minimally to global emissions, now being put onto the “front line of climate change”, suffering large-scale environmental disasters. 

  It was also noted that the ongoing conflicts would have a “horrendous impact” on the environment of these countries, the environmental cost and humanitarian costs of these wars are “intertwined”, she explained. “There is only so much aid which can be provided to those on the front lines of war, but what happens when that aid stops?” Mobarik questioned, as she noted that destroyed farmland and polluted soil is likely to render some of these areas unliveable. 

  “Satellite images show that 38 per cent to 48 per cent of the region’s tree cover has been destroyed by the conflict.” Mobarik said when describing the large effects on Gaza’s ecosystems and biodiversity. “After the conflict has ended, these countries need to be able to provide for themselves in the long run.” 

  It was noted that in recent years, the developed world has largely ignored the direct consequences of food insecurity and climate change. However, emerging conflicts and the Covid-19 pandemic have served as a wake-up call, especially for the West. The issue of conflict was extensively discussed during the event. Since the Russia-Ukraine war broke out in 2022, Ukraine’s agriculture sector has been one of Russia’s primary targets, causing ripple effects across the world. Given Ukraine’s position as one of the largest global exporters of grain, it was disclosed that approximately 250 million people worldwide have suffered food insecurity as a direct result.

  One expert also detailed four key aspects to focus on when addressing food insecurity: access, price regulation, distribution and infrastructure, and storage. It was suggested that nations should not rely on countries with a singular market share, such as Ukraine in the grain market, especially when these countries' livelihoods are being challenged. Ukraine’s stronghold on the grain market has caused a global price increase for grain products. Food storage and distribution are also crucial; countries need not only reserves of food but also functional infrastructure to allow the smooth importation of these necessities.

  The importance of international political organisations in reforming global food systems concluded the conference. Speakers noted a lack of collaboration within organisations like the UN, which has slowed progress in recent years. It was mentioned that certain boards within these institutions are not reflective of the global landscape, often representing regions like Europe more than others. Meanwhile, areas such as South Asia have experienced the first notable environmental impacts of climate change.

lw