ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the goals and outputs of international assessments that have examined the linkages between environment and food. Focus in particular is on the treatment of food systems (as defined in Chapter 2), as well as on the extent to which the key implications of global environmental change (GEC) for global and local food security have been articulated and explored. The analysis suggests that such assessments have fallen short, sometimes significantly, of providing comprehensive and balanced evidence on the range and interdependence of environmental change phenomena and on the consequences of change on the many facets of food systems and security. As a consequence, it is concluded that most assessments have been limited in their ability to inform relevant science and development debates, shape food system strategies and policies and foster appropriate advocacy. The implications of these shortcomings and conclusions with lessons learned and proposals for improving the adequacy and relevance of future assessments are discussed. This includes aspects of the scope, governance, design, methods and outreach of such undertakings if they are to more satisfactorily assess the true scope and implications of GEC on food systems and food security.
