Impact of Climate Shocks on Food Security

A significant heat wave in India during March 2022 led to reduced wheat production, prompting the Indian government to impose an immediate export ban on wheat. This policy aimed to stabilize domestic prices, which had surged due to the production drop, reflecting an effort to maintain food security for its citizens. The government's justification centered around protecting local consumers, who were facing escalating prices, yet this decision raised global concerns about food availability and affordability. As a result, the global wheat prices saw a 5.2% increase, indicating that domestic interventions could have adverse effects for consumers in other countries, particularly the global poor.