Climate crisis and pastures: rich people are included

Z Two thirds of Africa’s pasture areas are at risk of disappearing due to climate change. And again, those who are least affected by global warming are particularly affected. But it would be naive to believe that dwindling pastures only affect people in Africa. The European middle class is also in the blame: a study in which the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research was involved now predicts the loss of half of all pasture land worldwide. It’s not just the goat that should get the grass stuck in its first stomach.

The current study identifies the problem very clearly: grasslands for grazing animals are disappearing not only in Africa, but also half of all pasture areas worldwide. This not only deprives farmers of their financial livelihood, but also puts the food supply at risk. Expressed in numbers, as of now, well over a hundred million people whose existence is based on livestock farming are affected.

The number of grazing animals, their Willow desert is in the billions. Not only does this forecast mean that people will flee to other regions and countries on an enormous and unimaginable scale. Nevertheless, global food security is at stake if one of the most important pillars of global food production collapses.

Even if many people can no longer hear or read disaster reports like these and are also tired of appeals to their own lifestyle, the fact remains: the climate crisis and species extinction are existential threats. It is also clear: The Those affected are no longer just the people of the global south.

The sheltered middle class in Central Europe must realize that if the switch is not flipped, secure food security will not remain a given in the long term. Ecological crises are precisely calling into question the certainties of previous generations. If a lot of things are already collapsing, how about some optimism and consistent crisis prevention?