According to a report released by Global Food Security Program food shocks that typically occur once every century might likely occur every 30 years or much earlier instead.  The researchers presented a plausible worst case scenario where the world's four major commodity crops - corn, soybean, wheat and rice - fall by 5-7% simultaneously due to severe weather conditions primarily brought about by climate change.

Chances of these major food shocks increase as drought, flooding and heat waves crop up more often.  Tim Benton, professor of population ecology at the University of Leeds and co-author of the report, said that the compound effects of climate change and rising demand from a growing population could create a "very frightening" situation. He added that, "The food system is increasingly under pressure because demand is growing and our ability to supply it is much more constrained. On top of that we have climate change affecting where we can grow things."

Rob Bailey, research director for energy, environment and resources at Chatham House also added, "Such a shortfall in production could leave people in developing countries in "an almost untenable position", with the US and the UK "very much exposed" to the resulting instability and conflict". 

The researchers interviewed 50 experts from the academe, government and industry to draw possible outcome on both the economy and the people in all parts of the world.  They have concluded that the developing countries in Sub-Saharan Africa will be affected the most.  People in Ethiopia would go hungry the authors noted in an annex to the report.  On the other hand, protests might occur from middle income countries such as Egypt where they mostly depend on imports.  However, countries with large economies like the U.K. and the U.S. would be less affected.

"Action is urgently needed to understand risks better, improve the resilience of the global food system to weather-related shocks and to mitigate their impact on people," Benton said on a final note. The committee recommends coordinated international action, such as creating an early warning system for price spikes, and improving agricultural insurance to help farmers cope with climate change. The report also cautions, to prepare for the worst: "Governments and businesses need to prepare people for not being able to eat certain crops or products anymore."