Food prices and the global economy

The G-8 leaders took heat from Britain’s "Guardian" newspaper for discussing the world’s food crisis over a 19-dish dinner prepared by 25 chefs in Hokkaido, Japan.

Meantime, the World Bank reported that 75% of the rise in food prices is due to bio-fuels. The rising prices of food and fuel are being called "the first real economic crisis of globalization." In the past three years, increased food costs have pushed 400 million into the ranks of the world’s poorest, those who live on less than a dollar a day. Other factors include global warming, meat consumption, politics and financial speculation.

"To the Point" looks at the worldwide food chain, stressed so thin that any disruption means it can’t keep up with growing demand.

Guests:
– Raj Patel: Fellow, Food First
– Adam Lerrick: Visiting Scholar, American Enterprise Institute
– Tom Slayton: Visiting Fellow, Center for Global Development
– Josh Ruxin: Professor of Public Health, Columbia University

This story first aired on July 10, 2008 on "To the Point."

Hosted by award-winning journalist Warren Olney, "To the Point" presents informative and thought-provoking discussion of major news stories — front-page issues that attract a savvy and serious news audience.

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