INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,
MANAGEMENT & APPLIED SCIENCE (IJLTEMAS)
ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIV, Issue IV, April 2025
www.ijltemas.in Page 287
Adapting Food Systems and Nutrition Security: Los Angeles
Wildfires in the Face of Climatic Change
Mis. Teodora James Nyamahanga
1
, Dr. Bhawana Thukral
1
, Mr. Idris Levi Mamman
2
1
Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Chandigarh University, Gharuan Mohali -40413 Punjab, India
2
Centre of Nano Science And Nanotechnology, Panjab University Chandigarh - 160014 Punjab, India
DOI : https://doi.org/10.51583/IJLTEMAS.2025.140400030
Received: 17 April 2025; Accepted: 21 April 2025; Published: 05 May 2025
Abstract: The recent wildfires around Los Angeles devastatingly point out the relationship between nutrition security and climate
change, aggravated by the Santa Ana winds that dry out the region and increase the likelihood of wildfires at speeds of 60 MPH
(96.5 KPH). These fires disrupt the agricultural supply chain alongside ecosystems, limiting access to a variety of food
commodities and exacerbating the already existing food insecurity challenge. The wildfire impacts in Los Angeles are not just
local, but part of broader phenomena observed during bushfires in Australia and within the Amazon rainforest, where rampant
deforestation poses peril to biodiversity and vital activities like carbon sequestration. Wildfires cause long-lasting damage to food
production and ecosystems when combined with fires, these put tremendous stress on global food sources, including Los Angeles.
The farmer's perspective indicates the heightened dependence on local food systems drives home the reality of resilient food
systems that will need to be built in Australia and the Amazon. Addressing sustainability and climate change with anticipatory
adaptation frameworks based on effective land management practices are required to deal with the resilient challenges.
Constructing sustainable diets and resilient food systems are vital for dealing with the consequences of climate calamities.
Strengthening regional partnerships is the answer to ensuring food security, agriculture with climate smart agendas while
protecting soil will do the trick.
Keywords; Climate Change, Nutrition Security, Sustainable Diets, Food System
I. Introduction
Climate change has emerged as one of the most significant global challenges, with profound implications for food systems and
nutrition security. Rising temperatures, erratic weather patterns, and an increase in the frequency of natural disasters such as
wildfires are disrupting agricultural productivity, food supply chains, and dietary patterns worldwide, according to Myers et
al(2017). The wildfires in Los Angeles are a prime example of how climate-related disasters can worsen these problems, resulting
in food insecurity on a local and regional level while providing important information for international adaptation plans. We may
gain a better understanding of the weaknesses in food systems and create plans to guarantee sustainable meals in the face of
climate change by looking at how such occurrences affect nutrition security. Food security and agricultural systems in the area
have been greatly impacted by the wildfires in Los Angeles. The destruction of nearby farms and orchards has resulted in lower
agricultural yields and animal losses, both of which are vital to the local food supply chains, according to Hutchinson (2025). The
distribution of fresh vegetables and other necessary food items was hampered by the fires' disruption of transportation networks.
The ability of low-income people to maintain a healthy diet is further strained by such disruptions, which not only limit access to
food but also raise prices, according to Ewing-Chow (2025). These regional repercussions are reminiscent of worldwide issues
such as the Amazon rainforest fires and the bushfires in Australia, where ecological harm and agricultural losses have similarly
threatened food security. Wildfires have an effect on the stability and resilience of the larger food chain in addition to the acute
losses in food output. While excessive heat can harm soil health and lower future agricultural productivity, fire smoke and ash can
contaminate crops, according Community Alliance with Family Farmers., (2025). Furthermore, fire-related power outages
interfere with refrigeration and cold storage, causing perishable food to decay and increasing food waste. To ensure nutrition
security in areas vulnerable to wildfires and other climate-related calamities, these cascading impacts emphasize the vital need for
strong infrastructure and climate-resilient agricultural methods. Globally, there is an increasing emphasis on climate-smart
agriculture and sustainable diets as a result of the interaction between climate change and food security. Sustainable diets promote
plant-based foods and lessen dependency on resource-intensive agriculture methods, highlighting the need for nutrition that is
good for people and the environment, according to Willett et al (2019). Urban agriculture and community-supported agriculture
(CSA) programs are two examples of projects that have shown promise in Los Angeles for improving local food resilience and
lowering reliance on outside food sources. By diversifying and decentralizing food systems, these strategies not only lessen the
acute consequences of climate disasters but also promote long-term nutrition security. Coordinated efforts at the local, regional,
and international levels are needed to adapt food systems to address the twin issues of nutrition security and climate change.
Building robust food systems requires policies that support vulnerable communities, invest in resilient infrastructure, and
encourage climate-smart agriculture according to FAO (2018). The wildfires in Los Angeles are a clear reminder of how urgent
these efforts are. We can guarantee sustainable diets and secure nutrition for current and future generations by taking lessons from
such occurrences and putting adaptive measures into place.
Climate change is increasingly impacting food systems and nutrition security, and the Los Angeles wildfires are an example of
such impacts. Increasing temperatures and extended droughts have resulted in land destruction, supply chain disruptions, and