Interlinkages Between Energy and Zero Hunger: SDG7 and SDG2

Globally, the energy and agrifood systems are deeply interlinked. Producing the world’s food and getting it from farm to fork currently accounts for around 30 percent of all the energy consumed, worldwide. At the same time, a third of the total, anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions come from agrifood systems. Within this share, 33 percent is accounted for by energy use – most of which is fossil fuel-based.

If the world is to meet its current and future food and energy needs, the energy and agrifood systems must be transformed in a fair, sustainable and inclusive manner. Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG2)3 and agrifood system transformation will not be possible without ensuring agrifood
systems have access to reliable, affordable and renewable energy. That energy is also essential at every stage of the agrifood value chain. Without sustainable energy solutions, agrifood systems will not be able to meet growing global demand for food – particularly in those regions most vulnerable to food insecurity. At the same time, balancing energy security and food security must be carefully managed through sustainability considerations and integrated approaches.