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The war in Ukraine continues to have devastating consequences—particularly for vulnerable populations, both within the conflict zone and beyond. Now, the war is converging with other disruptions—supply-chain strains, inflation, the pandemic—to pose a looming threat to our global food supply. The Ukraine–Russia region plays a vital role not only as an exporter of primary staples like wheat, but also as one of the major suppliers of fertilizer worldwide. As a result, caloric intake for tens of millions of people—potentially 60 million to 150 million, by 2023—is at stake. What does this mean for populations at risk and for the global food system as a whole? A new episode of The McKinsey Podcast delves into what might happen and what can be done to help. Be sure to check it out.

— Joyce Yoo, digital editor, New York

The rising risk of a global food crisis

The war in Ukraine poses a looming threat to the worldwide food supply. Here’s what’s at stake—and what might be done to help.

Understand the issues

Quote of the Day

“Diverse team members may need information presented in different ways, or they may ask different questions. Respecting those diverse needs allows the group to then see the subject from all angles—a hallmark of better decision making.”

—Hiltrud Werner on how diversity affects resilience in “How Volkswagen board member Hiltrud Werner finds resilience”

Chart of the Day

Chart of profit margins in the aviation industry during the pandemic

See today’s chart

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