PREDICTED FAMINE THROUGH 2020 DECADE

Shortages of food and goods continue to be predicted amid concern of widespread famine as economic sectors prepare for unprecedented shortfalls. These challenges are faced by a seemingly unaware society as the people widely anticipate inflation to be the biggest threat. 

The coming scarcity of commodities involves an already irreversible set of outcomes which were set in motion at the onset of the pandemic. Due to the many instances contributing to predicted shortages, families should decide on storable food options while also arranging for their own production such as seeds and livestock.

Ships carrying cargo stuck off the coasts of the United States, began the first wave of concern in mid 2021. Many had predicted a shortage of goods during Christmas and even warned consumers to shop for gifts as early as August last year. The lack of action needed to unload these containers pointed blame primarily on COVID and a lack of workers to do the job. Biden attempted to solve these issues by insisting ports transition to 24 hour operation. Supplies remained sufficient to get through Christmas, but inflation in prices during Christmas 2021 remained less discussed and unrecognized by the President. 

Shortage concerns continue into the new year, now approaching the beginning of 2nd quarter 2022. Grocery stores have been seen using pictures of food to fill empty shelves in order to make it appear any shortage doesn’t exist. Consumers also began to notice expiration dates occurring less far out as stores started using backstock to fill in the gaps where needed. 

Leaders seem to be unwilling to acknowledge and give adequate warning of the coming shortages. Of particular concern is the increasing likelihood of famine due to environmental changes and implications of conflict between nations. The effect of some actions wouldn’t be noticed until harvest in late 2022 with shortages becoming obvious throughout the year 2023. 

In the United States, the current drought monitor shows exceptional levels in the midwest- an area with high production of wheat products. Specialists in Oklahoma have expressed concern with the coming spring rainfall amounts being sufficient for summer crops. This scene is familiar around the nation with much of the areas experiencing abnormally dry conditions.  

Intentional depletion of Carbon is also speculated to cause harmful long-term outcomes. Carbon sequestration technology- commonly referred to as carbon farming, is currently being used under the guise of climate control in various parts of the world. According to the Global CCS Institute, these programs have been tested for years with many new commercial programs planning to begin within 5 – 10 years. Although this process isn’t necessarily new, it seems to be ramping up in effort. This technology essentially siphons carbon out of the air and transfers the gasses underground. Carbon is an essential element for the greening of earth which has some scientists predicting a negative impact to soil quality and crop yields within the decade.

In addition, the conflict in Ukraine added to an already stressed sector of the world economy with a ban on Russian produced fertilizer and wheat products. Nitrogen based fertilizers are needed to assist in agricultural production of large quantities around the world. Before sanctions were imposed, the producers already faced shortages because of logistic difficulties related to oil and natural gas. This remains a topic in itself with a massive impact on all fronts. The energy crisis leads the main cause of issues in a web full of concern. 

Implications are predicted to worsen during 2023 while consumers attribute to social unrest as ration limits become possible. Food rationing was introduced during WWII in January 1942, lasting 5 years. During this time, families were limited to strict ration amounts on food products using a stamp system based on a set amount of points per family member. In today’s society, ration points would likely be in the form of digital currency- leading to concerns of another “beast” system controlled by world leaders. 

Families should begin preparing for the coming shortages in advance; and as well, remain mindful when making decisions related to the acquisition and access of goods and services. Surrender of our will should not be replaced by dependence on governance.

We can likely remain independent from restrictions by contributing to alternative community based sectors for trade and other resources; although restrictions on ‘black-market’ barter of goods in the future remains unknown.