SDG 2 sets an ambitious global target to end hunger and all malnutrition by 2030 – a mere 13 years from now – how realistic is that!!
The working group started with a discussion on the two major impacts on future food security: the global population increase and global warming. Given the massive challenges, is the goal achievable ? YES–from a technical-scientific-engineering point of view the goal can be met. With current knowledge of hydroponics, aeroponics, vertical and urban agriculture and advances in GMO crops etc., a sustainable food supply with good nutrition for all is quite achievable , even in a world of 9.7 billion people and an environment under stress from global warming. HOWEVER, to achieve SDG#2 requires that all the other interlinked 16 SDGs are also met – especially in the dual realms of politics and economics. A failure in any one of the other goals will compromise achieving Zero Hunger.
The workshop did not conclude with bets on whether the goal is impossible to achieve by 2030, but instead endorsed the sentiments expressed by the late Eglantyne Jebb (founder of Save the Children)
“It’s impossible only if we make it so. It’s impossible only if we refuse to attempt it”. Political leadership with good governance from global to local, together with technology can ensure success.
