This chart shows where water and food supply are a major concern

The war in Ukraine has shown us just how fragile global supply chains truly are. The delivery of wheat, which is essential for the food security of communities in many parts of the world, was particularly affected, and has had a knock on effect in other countries, pushing up prices and exacerbating earlier crises through food shortages. Add to that the worsening impacts of climate change, and the questions of water and food security have become an imminent concern in a growing number of countries around the world.

Data from Statista’s Global Consumer Survey shows that more than half of the respondents (54 percent) in South Africa considered food and water supply one of the biggest challenges to their country, followed by around 40 percent in Mexico and 33 percent in Brazil. Food and water security is also a worry in Europe, with around one in five people citing it as a serious concern in the UK, France and Spain. Meanwhile, in the U.S., around 27 percent of respondents said that it is a key concern. Like many other countries, this past summer the U.S. experienced widespread droughts.

The United Nations World Climate Conference (COP27) is currently underway in Egypt’s Sharm El-Sheikh, and will run from November 6 - 18. More than 100 world leaders and thousands of participants are meeting to discuss ways to respond to the climate emergency, covering questions of climate reparations through to food security.