The Reduction of Hunger in the World: A Fragile Progress
Hunger on the planet decreased for the third consecutive year in 2025, demonstrating that progress is possible, but improvements remain fragile and unevenly distributed. According to the report "State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2026", released by five UN agencies, 7.8% of the global population faced hunger last year, meaning about 645 million people were affected by hunger in 2025.
This reduction of almost 14 million compared to 2024 and 43 million compared to 2022 is a positive sign, but it is crucial to understand that recovery continues to be uneven among regions. Asia, along with Latin America and the Caribbean, has recorded continuous improvements in recent years, while Africa currently houses about 309 million people who are hungry, compared to 292 million in Asia.
Why It Matters: The Statistics and the Stories Behind Them
Hunger is not just a statistic; behind each number, there is a family calculating the cost of food, facing difficult situations due to conflicts and climate impacts. The previous growth trend in Africa is starting to stabilize, with the proportion of the population facing hunger going from 20.3% in 2024 to 20% last year. However, the continent now has the largest number of people who are hungry in absolute terms, amidst a rapidly growing population.
The effects of hunger are profound and affect not only individual health but also the economy and social stability of a region. Food security is a fundamental human right, and ensuring that all people have access to nutritious diets is essential for sustainable development.
The Science Behind Hunger: Understanding Climate and Energy Factors
Hunger is influenced by a complex interaction of factors, including climate change, conflicts, and the availability of natural resources. Extreme climate events, such as El Niño, can devastate agricultural production, leading to food scarcity and price increases. Furthermore, the dependence on fertilizers and energy for modern agriculture makes the global food system vulnerable to fluctuations in energy markets.
Understanding the science behind these processes is crucial for developing effective mitigation and adaptation strategies. This includes investing in sustainable agriculture, promoting the resilience of rural communities, and developing early warning systems for extreme climate events.
Broader Context: Global Trends and Lessons from the Past
The reduction of hunger is one of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with the goal of eradicating hunger by 2030. However, updated projections on hunger for the next five years, considering the attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran, suggest that between 510 million and 520 million people may still face hunger in 2030, compared to the pre-conflict projection of 503 million.
These projections highlight the importance of considering the impacts of conflicts and climate change on global food security. The lesson from the past is clear: international cooperation, investment in sustainable development, and preparation for extreme climate events are essential for protecting the most vulnerable and ensuring a safer future for all.
What's Next: Challenges and Opportunities
Faced with the presented challenges, it is crucial that the global community continues to work together to build resilient food systems. This requires continued investments in sustainable agriculture, support for rural communities, and the development of technologies that can help mitigate the effects of climate change.
Additionally, international cooperation and diplomacy will be fundamental in preventing conflicts and ensuring that the resources necessary for food security are made available in a fair and effective manner. Leadership and collective action are necessary to overcome the challenges we face and build a more sustainable future for all people.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The reduction of hunger in the world is significant progress, but the challenges we still face are formidable. It is time to act, invest in sustainable solutions, and work together to ensure that everyone has access to nutritious and safe food. The future of humanity depends on it.
Source / Reference
This article was based on the report "State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2026", released by five UN agencies, and on news published by outlets such as Reuters, AP, CNN Brazil, and Forbes Brazil. For more information, visit https://climainfo.org.br/2026/07/22/fome-diminui-no-mundo-mas-riscos-climaticos-e-energeticos-sao-ameaca/