Armenia’s climate is changing in line with global trends and over the recent decades, it lost over USD 1.5 billion due to natural hazards like floods, earthquakes, drought, hail, spring frosts, and mudflows.

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has informed about it ahead of World Food Day.

It notes that the intense shocks create enormous challenges to national development and pose negative impacts on the livelihoods of people and the economy.

“Recent Climate projections indicate that temperatures across the country may rise by 4.7ºC by 2100, combined with an 8.3% decline in average annual precipitation affecting natural systems, water resources, agriculture and food security, health, infrastructure, etc.

Recognizing the implications of climate change on various sectors and food security, the Government of the Republic of Armenia is taking actions to support climate change adaptation, while increasing emphasis on Climate Change related policies and programs,” the statement says.

Jelena Milesovic, WFP Representative and Country Director in Armenia noted that climate change is not a shock waiting to happen, “It’s here and happening now. Climate change affects the food systems including production, processing, and distribution. This leads to a decline in food availability pushing more people into food insecurity. We need to invest in food systems that are resilient to climate change, shocks, and crises.”