Famine

High school (ages 12+)
Environment & Earth

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/famine

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the primary drivers?Conflict, climate variability/change, and economic shocks are key contemporary drivers
2. What is the related fields?Food security, climate resilience, conflict resolution, international development, public health
3. Why does famine happen?Famine happens when food systems fail because of bad weather, wars, or bad rules. It is not just a lack of food, but a mix of many problems that stop food from reaching people.
4. How can famine be caused by natural events?Natural events like long droughts, floods, or pests can stop crops from growing. When the earth doesn’t give enough food, many people can’t eat enough.

Food System Failure: The breakdown of the processes that produce, distribute, and make food accessible to populations.
Climate Resilience: The ability of communities and ecosystems to adapt to and recover from climate-related shocks and stresses.
Food Security Pillars: Availability, access, utilization, and stability of food for all people at all times.