Title: The unequal distribution of resources: the food crisis explained - Humanium
Headings: The unequal distribution of resources: the food crisis explained
The unequal distribution of resources: the food crisis explained
Food crisis
The unequal distribution of resources: The food crisis explained
Background
Growing hunger
Unequal distribution of resources
Causes for higher food prices
Climate change
Growing demand for meat and dairy products
Financial speculation and oil price
Consequences
Conclusion

Content: This growing demand makes edible grains too expensive for many inhabitants of poor countries. The current demand for bio-fuels is also consuming a growing percentage of the world’s harvested cereals. This has a profound influence on prices as well. Financial speculation and oil price
Another important reason for the soaring food prices is financial speculation. This was the case during the food crisis of 2008 and it is expected that it will happen again. High prices are favourable for traders that hold large shares in food. Unfortunately, for some families with children that spend a large amount of their income on food, it becomes impossible to buy food. The higher price of oil also contributes to the food price crisis. In agriculture a large amount of oil is needed for transportation and it is one of the main ingredients of artificial fertilisers. With the diminishing oil supplies and the end of the economic crisis, oil prices are only likely to increase even more.