Interface of Climate and Environmental Change on Food Systems-A Report from the "Agriculture and Diet: Value Added for Nutrition, Translation, and Adaptation in a Global Ecology" (ADVANTAGE) Project Working Group 3.

Summary

This working group report synthesises the interface between climate and environmental change and food systems, mapping four key interaction pathways that affect crop and animal productivity, nutrient composition, food safety, and access. The authors identify critical research gaps—including the need to assess simultaneous climate factor impacts on nutrient density and food quality, refine cultivars and management practices for resilience, and develop social and economic strategies for global food security—and recommend both system adaptability and climate change mitigation as essential responses.

Regional applicability

This is a global synthesis with broad relevance to United Kingdom food systems, particularly regarding climate adaptation in temperate agriculture. Specific findings on freshwater availability, soil systems, pest pressure, and supply chain resilience apply directly to UK farming and food supply; however, implementation of recommended interventions will depend on UK-specific policy, infrastructure, and research investment.

Key measures

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of CEC–food system interactions; identification of research gaps in crop yields, nutrient density, food quality, cultivar resilience, and social-economic-political adaptation strategies.

Outcomes reported

The paper identifies reciprocal interactions between climate and environmental change (CEC) and food systems across four pathways: shifting climate normals and extreme events, altered physical systems (ocean, freshwater, soil, ozone, water quality), biological system changes (pests, pollinators, biodiversity), and agricultural production disruptions. It maps research gaps and adaptation strategies needed to maintain food security and nutrition under climate change.

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