Earth System Science News

U.S. News & World Report - Since early 2007, when food prices began marching noticeably upward, there have been violent riots in more than a dozen countries, growing malaise in developed areas, including the United States, and a fluid debate about the origins of the spike. On the last point, a consensus has emerged. A slew of factors–record fuel prices, ethanol production, unprecedented demand, the effects of climate change–have been blamed, creating a sort of perfect storm for the world’s food supply.