Climate change is a defining challenge of our times. Its impact and implications will be global, far-reaching and largely irreversible. Climate change is already increasing the risk of exposure to hunger, malnutrition and food insecurity among the poorest and most vulnerable people. Natural disasters are becoming more frequent and intense, land and water are becoming more scarce and difficult to access, and increases in agricultura lproductivity are becoming more difficult to achieve. WFP has a crucial role to play in the global response to climate change. Vulnerability analysis and mapping, early warning systems and weather-based insurance programmes help governments and partners predict the onset of natural hazards and take appropriate measures to cushion their impacts. WFP also provides emergency relief food assistance when disasters strike, helping devastated families to recover and rebuild, while assisting vulnerable communities to adapt to more difficult and uncertain times. Responding to increased hunger and malnutrition caused by the effects of climate change is expected to be a major focus of WFPs work in the 21st century.