10.2.4

Reasons & Impacts

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Globalisation of Food Supplies: Reasons and Impacts

Globalised food supply is caused by economic, social, and environmental changes, with many impacts.

Illustrative background for Economic causesIllustrative background for Economic causes ?? "content

Economic causes

  • Economic development increases demand for a wide variety of foods.
  • Exports and imports allow countries to sell and buy food across borders.
  • Better transport and freezing technologies make long-distance food trade possible.
  • Urbanisation reduces farmland but increases demand in cities.
  • Foreign investment helps food companies grow and trade globally.
Illustrative background for Social causesIllustrative background for Social causes ?? "content

Social causes

  • A larger workforce and rural-to-urban migration support food production in cities.
  • Some countries grow surplus food to export for profit.
  • Migration spreads food culture and increases demand for global products.
  • Social media and advertising promote global food brands and fast food.
Illustrative background for Environmental causesIllustrative background for Environmental causes ?? "content

Environmental causes

  • Some regions have better climate, soil, or water for growing food.
  • Climate change affects where crops grow best, shifting global food patterns.
  • Some countries depend on imports due to poor local growing conditions.
Illustrative background for Economic and social impactsIllustrative background for Economic and social impacts ?? "content

Economic and social impacts

  • Local farmers may lose income if cheaper imports replace local food.
  • Food security can improve with more supply, but local food production may decline.
    • Local economies may suffer if food is mostly imported.
  • Global food often includes fast food, which may lead to poor diets and health issues.
    • Some people still stay malnourished if food is exported instead of shared locally.
Illustrative background for Environmental impactsIllustrative background for Environmental impacts ?? "content

Environmental impacts

  • Modern industrial farming uses fertilisers and pesticides, harming soils and wildlife.
  • Monocropping (growing one crop) reduces biodiversity and weakens ecosystems.
  • Food miles increase pollution from transporting food long distances.
    • Fossil fuels are burned during farming and transport, adding to climate change.
  • Global food supply is often unsustainable and damages the environment long-term.

Jump to other topics

1Paper 1 - Changing River Environnments

2Paper 1 - Changing Coastal Environments

3Paper 1 - Changing Ecosystems

4Paper 1 - Tectonic Hazards

5Paper 1 - Climate Change

6Paper 2 - Changing Populations

7Paper 2 - Changing Towns & Cities

8Paper 2 - Development

9Paper 2 - Changing Economies

10Paper 2 - Resource Provision

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