In the fight against a looming hunger crisis, the G7 countries have pledged to provide an additional $4.5 billion for global food security. At their summit at Schloss Elmau in Bavaria, the leading democratic economic powers also called on Russia to unconditionally end the blockade of Ukrainian ports. Wheat silos and other agricultural infrastructure should no longer be destroyed.
The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) believes that the coronavirus pandemic and the war in Ukraine have exacerbated the global hunger crisis in an extreme way.
According to these figures, 345 million people in 82 countries are currently suffering from hunger. In just over two years, the number has more than doubled. Experts say the worst humanitarian crisis since the end of World War II is just around the corner. The situation in Ethiopia, Nigeria, South Sudan, Yemen, Afghanistan and Somalia is considered catastrophic.
“Food as a weapon of war”
Some politicians throw Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier to use “food as a weapon of war”. It is estimated that up to 40 million people could find themselves in poverty this year as a result of Putin’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
Video: Russia uses hunger as a ‘weapon of war’
More than half of the promised financial aid will come, according to the United States. U.S. President Joe Biden will pledge $2.76 billion in additional U.S. funding for efforts in more than 47 countries and regional organizations during the summit. Of that, $2 billion would be used to save lives through direct humanitarian action. $760 million has been set aside for sustainable food aid in the short and medium term.
“Historical Failure”
Meanwhile, development groups have criticized the measures planned by the G7 countries for global food security. One Germany director Stephan Exo-Kreischer criticized German Chancellor Scholz, who hosted the G7 summit, for failing to make sufficient commitments against the hunger crisis. The World Food Program needs $21.5 billion this year. Oxfam Germany described the summit’s resolutions as “a glamor designed to distract from the historic failure of the G7”.
Further decisions of the G7
In light of the Russian attack on Ukraine, the G7 countries are temporarily supporting investments in fossil fuels. The G7 also wants to cut Russia’s revenues from energy exports “to secure energy supplies”. There should also be punitive tariffs on Russian military products and action should be taken against forced labour. Products manufactured under this criterion should be excluded from global supply chains.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
