Global Food Crisis Warning: BECCS Emissions, UK Solar Farm Dispute, and Looming Catastrophe Explained

On April 22, 2026, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) issued a stark warning that a prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz could trigger a “global food catastrophe,” with 20-45% of the world’s key agrifood inputs dependent on the sea passage. The warning, reported by Al Jazeera and highlighted in Carbon Brief’s “Cropped” newsletter, emphasized that poorer countries would be most exposed, as delays in accessing fertilisers would quickly translate into lower agricultural output.

The FAO cautioned that restrictions on energy and fertiliser shipments have historically led to food price spikes, urging nations to “not limit shipments” and to “closely ponder” biofuel mandates given the risk of curtailing global food supplies. FAO chief economist Dr Maximo Torero warned of a “perfect storm” if the world also experiences a strong El Niño, compounding pressures on food systems.

In response to growing concerns, Sri Lanka, already burdened with old fertiliser debts, has pledged to provide fertiliser subsidies to farmers, as reported by the country’s Sunday Times. In India, fear of a fertiliser shortage is particularly heightened, according to Scroll.in. Meanwhile, in Australia—where 60% of urea comes from the Persian Gulf—the potential disruption could spur a fertiliser “manufacturing comeback,” as reported by ABC News.

The Carbon Brief newsletter also covered related developments, including debates over BECCS (bioenergy with carbon capture and storage) emissions and controversy surrounding the expansion of solar farms in the UK, particularly the Springwell project, which has raised concerns about the use of farmland for renewable energy installations amid growing food security fears.