## Sustainable Food Systems: A $121 Trillion Economic Opportunity to Feed 10 Billion
The world faces a critical juncture. A burgeoning population projected to reach 10 billion by 2070 demands a dramatic shift in how we produce and distribute food. A new Deloitte report, released during COP29, paints a stark but hopeful picture: sustainably transforming the global food system isn’t just environmentally responsible—it’s an unparalleled economic opportunity.
The report, titled “Turning Point: Feeding the World Sustainably,” quantifies the potential benefits of a comprehensive overhaul of our food production methods. The stakes are high. Currently, approximately 730 million people—nearly 10% of the global population—suffer from undernourishment. This figure is projected to worsen unless drastic action is taken. The challenge is threefold: feeding a growing population, eradicating hunger, and decarbonizing the agricultural sector simultaneously.
The Economic Imperative of Sustainability
Deloitte’s analysis reveals a compelling economic case for sustainable food systems. By limiting global warming to below 2°C and boosting calorie production by 40%, the global economy could see gains of an astounding $121 trillion by 2070. This transformation would also significantly improve food security, lowering global food prices by 16%. Furthermore, emissions from the global food system would plummet by approximately two-thirds, contributing substantially to global net-zero goals.
Conversely, inaction carries catastrophic economic consequences. The report estimates that unchecked climate change could cost the global economy a staggering $190 trillion between 2025 and 2070. This figure encompasses the damage to primary food production (crops, livestock, dairy, and fisheries) and the resulting ripple effects throughout the food manufacturing and service sectors.
Addressing Hunger and Boosting GDP: A Win-Win Scenario
Deloitte’s modeling suggests that a sustainable food system transformation could meet the minimum nutritional needs of an additional 1.6 billion people by 2070. Crucially, almost one-fifth of the extra calories produced would be concentrated in regions with the highest rates of hunger, potentially lifting an additional 300 million people out of undernourishment. This would be particularly impactful in Sub-Saharan Africa, South and Southeast Asia, and South America.
Lower-income countries stand to gain the most, experiencing a 12% boost in GDP and a substantial increase in food consumption per capita—as much as an additional 626 calories per person per day in 2070. This improved food security could also lead to significant improvements in public health and overall well-being in these vulnerable populations.
Five Key Solutions for a Sustainable Future
The report outlines five key solutions to achieve these ambitious goals, ranging from technological advancements and accelerated innovation in agriculture to emission reduction strategies. These solutions are not mutually exclusive and will require a concerted, global effort to implement effectively. The report also highlights successful case studies showcasing the positive impact of these sustainable solutions already in action.
The Urgency of Action
The report emphasizes the urgency of transitioning to sustainable food systems. The current trajectory of food production is unsustainable. Continuing business as usual will only exacerbate hunger, inflate food prices, and worsen the impacts of climate change. Addressing this “polycrisis” requires a fundamental, system-level transformation encompassing equitable food distribution, environmentally resilient production methods, and supportive policy frameworks aligned with net-zero targets.
Deloitte’s analysis provides a clear roadmap for a future where economic prosperity and food security go hand in hand. Investing in sustainable food systems is not merely an environmental imperative; it’s an economically prudent and morally necessary step toward a more equitable and sustainable world.
