The latest barometer that analyzes the effects of the Covid-19 crisis on food & beverage companies in France has revealed a 22 percent loss in global turnover. The confectionery and beverage sectors have been the most affected, especially among small and medium-sized enterprises. 

According to David Lapola, an ecologist who studies the impact of human activities on forest ecosystems, the Amazon is a huge reservoir of viruses. The ongoing deforestation and urbanization of these areas could lead to new outbreaks transmitted from animals to humans. In fact the current pandemic is also believed to have been caused by strong human pressure on natural habitats.

British Petroleum (BP)'s new CEO, Bernard Looney, says the impact of the pandemic has accelerated the oil company' s commitment to reducing the carbon footprint to zero. Looney also says that the group must focus on the energy transition following the collapse of the oil markets. 

Around 200 Los Angeles chefs have launched a project to use federal disaster relief funds to prepare and deliver thousands of meals to older people at greatest risk. The Great Plates Delivered program is part of the aid the American state has put in place to reduce the emergency that has hit the most vulnerable sections of the population. 

The Chinese authorities have asked food sector companies to increase cereal and oilseed stocks to address a potential second wave of coronavirus cases. Cereal traders and food producers alike have been urged to procure higher stocks of soybeans, soybean oil and corn.  

Martin Cole of the University of Adelaide in Australia, explained to New Scientist that the impact of the current pandemic on food safety could be worse than when food prices rose dramatically in 2007 and 2008. Unlike the crisis of 13 years ago, this time the economic downturn would affect the ability of millions of people to afford food.