UN warns of global food shortage crisis in 2025

The United Nations has issued a stark warning about a global food shortage crisis in 2025, highlighting the increasing severity of hunger and malnutrition worldwide. According to the Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC) 2025, over 295 million people across 53 countries experienced high levels of acute hunger in 2024, marking an increase of 13.7 million from the previous year. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for coordinated international action to prevent further escalation.

Main drivers of the food crisis

Several key factors contribute to the worsening food insecurity around the globe:

Conflict and displacement

Ongoing conflicts remain a primary driver of hunger. Regions such as Gaza, Sudan, South Sudan, Haiti, and Mali have seen disruptions to food production and distribution, resulting in widespread malnutrition. Displaced populations face limited access to essential resources, creating a humanitarian emergency that threatens millions of lives.

Climate change and extreme weather

Extreme weather events, including prolonged droughts, floods, and heatwaves, have significantly affected crop yields, exacerbating food shortages. These climate-induced disruptions not only impact production but also drive up global food prices, making access to adequate nutrition increasingly difficult for vulnerable populations.

Economic shocks and inflation

Economic downturns, inflation, and rising commodity prices have made basic food items unaffordable for millions of people. Vulnerable households are often forced to make difficult trade-offs, sacrificing nutrition in favor of other essential expenses. The combination of economic and environmental pressures is pushing many populations toward severe food insecurit

Humanitarian impact

The humanitarian consequences of this crisis are severe and widespread:

• Gaza crisis – over 514,000 people in Gaza are experiencing famine conditions, with widespread malnutrition and starvation. The UN has described the situation as a “man-made disaster”.
• Child malnutrition – in Gaza alone, more than 320,000 children under the age of five are at risk of acute malnutrition, with thousands suffering from severe acute malnutrition, the deadliest form of undernutrition.
• Sudan and South Sudan – famine has been confirmed in locations such as the Zamzam camp in northern Sudan, and similar critical conditions are emerging across parts of South Sudan.

These examples illustrate the far-reaching effects of food insecurity, which threatens both immediate survival and long-term development.

Global outlook and urgent action

The outlook for 2025 remains grim. Without immediate and coordinated humanitarian intervention, the number of people facing acute hunger is expected to rise further. The UN and its partners are calling for urgent action to address the root causes of food insecurity, including conflict resolution, climate adaptation, and economic support for vulnerable communities.

Global solidarity and proactive measures are crucial to prevent the escalation of famine conditions. Ensuring access to nutritious food, stabilizing agricultural production, and providing emergency relief will determine whether millions can be protected from the worst impacts of this crisis.

The 2025 UN warning on global food shortages highlights a multifaceted crisis driven by conflict, climate change, and economic instability. The humanitarian consequences are severe, affecting millions of people worldwide, especially children and displaced populations. Immediate international cooperation and long-term strategies are essential to prevent further escalation and provide life-saving assistance. The GRFC 2025 report serves as a critical reminder that addressing global food insecurity requires both urgent action and sustained global commitment