Iran War Disrupts Global Fertiliser Supply, Driving Up Food Prices Worldwide

The past fortnight has seen major developments at the intersection of climate, land, food, and nature. Below, we break down the key stories shaping these critical sectors.

Iran War Threatens Global Food Security

The war in the Middle East has disrupted fertiliser production and supply chains, putting both spring and winter planting seasons at risk. According to Ambrose Evans-Pritchard, world economy editor at the Daily Telegraph, the conflict has halted the supply of urea, ammonia, and sulphur transported through the Persian Gulf for nearly a month. The world’s two largest fertiliser producers, China and Russia, have also reduced their exports, exacerbating the crisis.

Fuel costs and food prices are surging in Asia and Africa as the Iran war continues, reported the Financial Times. The impacts could surpass the food crisis triggered by Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Even regions less directly exposed to the conflict, such as the US, will face higher food prices as a result.

The severity of the food price surge will depend on two key factors: the duration of the conflict and the impact of climate change-driven weather extremes on crops this year, noted New Scientist. The outlet also highlighted that reducing farming’s dependence on fossil fuels could prevent future crises and slash greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture.

Nature Conservation Wins at UN Conference

The 15th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Migratory Species concluded on 29 March with a landmark agreement to add 40 migratory species to the convention’s protected list. Species included in the agreement are the cheetah, striped hyena, and snowy owl. The conference, held in Brazil, also established plans for conserving multiple species within shared ecosystems, such as the Amazon.

The convention’s executive secretary stated that the new conservation rules are expected to be implemented immediately, according to Down To Earth.

Marine Protection Advances

The conference was hailed as a “significant step forward” for marine species. Key agreements included commitments to reduce bycatch and a decision for countries to integrate “critical marine designations” into their national biodiversity strategies, reported Oceanographic. The meeting also adopted transboundary action plans for conserving the critically endangered European eel and the tope shark.

High Seas Treaty Negotiations Stalled

The final preparatory meetings for the High Seas Treaty concluded on Friday with “meaningful progress in several key areas”, according to The Fishing Daily. Countries agreed on the functioning of most subsidiary bodies and several financial matters, but negotiations lost momentum toward the end of the session. The Financial Times reported that China is pushing to further delay the treaty’s implementation.

Stay Updated with Carbon Brief’s Cropped Newsletter

Subscribe to Carbon Brief’s free “Cropped” email newsletter for a fortnightly digest of food, land, and nature news and views. The newsletter is sent to subscribers’ inboxes every other Wednesday.