Under the Same Sky: Food Supply and Requirements in Our World by Hisayo Shibata

In a world that produces enough food to nourish its 7.95 billion people, millions still go to bed hungry. This paradox is not caused by a lack of resources, but by deep-seated inequalities and economic disparities that prevent access to basic nutrition. The infographic “Under the Same Sky” delves into the complex issue of global hunger, uncovering how systemic imbalances leave many without the sustenance they need to thrive.
The data visualization is a powerful exploration of the state of global food security, focusing on 171 countries as of 2018. It brings to light stark disparities in both the supply and the need for food, offering a snapshot of daily calorie availability versus the nutritional requirements of populations across different regions. At the heart of the visualization are two critical metrics: daily calorie supply and daily calorie requirements. The range of calorie supply varies dramatically from as low as 1,786 kcal to as high as 3,885 kcal—a 117% difference. Meanwhile, the minimum calorie requirements span from 1,662 kcal to 2,043 kcal, a 23% disparity.
These figures highlight the striking contrast between countries that have ample access to food and those where malnutrition is rampant. To further contextualize this inequality, the visualization incorporates additional data layers, including Gross National Income (GNI) per capita and the percentage of the population suffering from undernourishment. The countries with the highest calorie supply tend to coincide with wealthier nations, while the countries facing the most severe hunger are often those grappling with economic instability and poverty.
The infographic tells a compelling story of the uneven distribution of resources and the barriers that perpetuate hunger. Despite the overall global surplus, economic barriers—such as low income and lack of infrastructure—prevent millions from accessing the food they need. This creates a cycle where people cannot afford to meet their nutritional needs, resulting in malnutrition and stunted growth, particularly among children.
By illustrating these imbalances, the visualization offers a call to action. It underscores the urgency of addressing the root causes of hunger, from poverty and inequality to poor governance and conflict. As the United Nations sets its sights on ending global hunger by 2030, the data presented here paints a sobering picture of how far we still have to go—and the solutions that are needed to make the dream of food security a reality for all.
“Under the Same Sky” doesn’t just present statistics—it invites us to consider the human cost of hunger and the systemic changes required to achieve a more equitable food system. In a world with enough to go around, it’s time to ensure that no one is left behind.