Weather events vs food security: an Asian perspective from the supply side

Abstract

Extreme weather events are expected to increase. The paper provides a concise overview of climate change as well as issues pertaining to extreme weather events. Several indicators used to quantify climate variability, to assess countries’ vulnerability to climate change and extreme weather negative impacts are presented. In Asia rice assumes strategic relevance, thus accounting most of the world production and consumption. This paper aims at expanding the above statement and at investigating the potential effects of weather events on rice supply using a multiple regression analysis. Given its vulnerability to climate change and its limited ability to cope with it, Asia is expected to be severely affected by the adverse impacts of extreme weather conditions, where food security still represents a major concern.