Extreme weather and food security: effects, measures and solutions

Global supply chains are essential for ensuring societal access to products and resources, such as food. Through efficient logistics and interconnected markets, they enable the rapid diffusion of sustainable practices across sectors and regions and support the shift toward a green economy. However, traditional risk management strategies often fail to capture the full range of potential supply chain impacts.

The intricate web of supply chain dependencies and interactions are often not fully seen by policymakers. This can lead to reactive, piecemeal or even counterproductive responses which fail to address the root causes of disruptions and can exacerbate supply chain instability.

The project will provide accessible, comprehensive and actionable information on extreme weather risk and adaptation strategies. Ultimately aiming to activate and support key stakeholders to manage disruption to food supply chains and resulting stocks in an increasingly unpredictable world.

The Extreme weather project seeks to fill knowledge gaps by addressing four research questions:

1. What are the effects of extreme events on food supply chains and future risks of disruption to global supply chains, including for Sweden and its key trading partners?
2. What have been historical policy responses to extreme weather events and how are they relevant for mitigating effects on food supply chains?
3. What are future options for managing effects on extreme events on food supply chains?
4. What are the roles and responsibilities of supply chain actors in delivering effective governance options in Sweden and abroad?