Climate-Driven ‘Climateflation’ Could Raise UK Food Prices by Over a Third by 2050, Report Warns

Climate-Driven ‘Climateflation’ Could Raise UK Food Prices by Over a Third by 2050, Report Warns
—————————————
Britain faces a growing “climateflation” crisis as extreme weather threatens food production and supply chains, potentially pushing UK food prices up by more than 34% by 2050, The Guardian reported. The Autonomy Institute thinktank warns that without urgent government action, nearly one million more people could be driven into poverty due to rising grocery costs.

The report highlights the impact of heatwaves, droughts, storms, and floods both domestically and internationally on food supply. UK farmers suffered a 12% drop in vegetable production in 2023 due to severe weather, while poor harvests in West Africa, Brazil, and Vietnam have increased prices for chocolate and coffee. With nearly half of the UK’s food imported from countries like Spain, France, and Brazil, British consumers remain vulnerable to climate shocks abroad.

The Autonomy Institute’s economic modelling shows that under a worst-case scenario with high emissions leading to 4°C warming by 2100, food prices could rise by 34% by 2050. Even under a best-case scenario limiting warming to 1.5°C, prices may still increase by 25%. Lower-income households would be disproportionately affected, as they spend a larger share of income on essentials.

Chief Executive Will Stronge urged the government to implement measures such as public diners, price controls, and buffer stocks to protect vulnerable families and build economic resilience against ongoing climate disruptions.