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Tech & Science
Food insecurity: 266 million people in crisis worldwide in 2026
Herz — Tech & Science Desk · · 30s summary · 1 min read
The essentials
In 2026, the United Nations reported that 266 million people worldwide were facing acute food insecurity—double the number recorded a decade earlier. Armed conflicts, particularly the Middle East conflict, accelerating climate disruption, and economic crises exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic are driving this alarming surge. The analysis comes from Sébastien Abis, director of Club Demeter and researcher at IRIS, the French geopolitical think tank, speaking on RFI's program "Le grand invité international" on July 17, 2026.
- 266 million people facing acute food insecurity in 2026, double the 2016 figure
- Middle East conflict and climate change accelerating global food crisis, UN reports
- Economic crises worsened by Covid-19 pandemic amplify food insecurity surge
What we know
In 2026, the United Nations reported 266 million people facing acute food insecurity worldwide, double the figure recorded a decade earlier.
2016 (estimated)133
2026266
The Middle East conflict and accelerating climate disruption are exacerbating this situation.
This rise results from three combined factors: armed conflicts, extreme climate events, and economic crises worsened by the Covid-19 pandemic.
These findings were analyzed on July 17, 2026, on RFI's program "Le grand invité international" by Sébastien Abis, director of Club Demeter and researcher at IRIS (Institute of International Relations and Strategy), a French think tank founded in 1991 specializing in geopolitics and strategy. He is also the author of "Geopolitics of Fruits and Vegetables" (Eyrolles Publishing).
What remains uncertain
Available sources do not specify the exact operational definition of 'acute food insecurity' as used by the United Nations, nor the measurement methods underlying the 266 million figure. The nature and role of Club Demeter are not documented in verified sources.
How many people are experiencing acute food insecurity worldwide in 2026?
The United Nations estimates this figure at 266 million, double the number from a decade ago.
What are the main causes driving this increase?
Three factors have been identified: armed conflicts—including the Middle East war—, accelerating climate disruption, and economic crises worsened by the Covid-19 pandemic.
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