This chapter uses the examples of famines in Ireland, with particular reference to the Great Famine of 1845 to 1852, to demonstrate the similarities with the causes and consequences of poverty, hunger and food insecurity in the world today. It argues that the Great Famine, which resulted in the loss of 25 per cent of Ireland’s population, was not inevitable, but resulted from flawed political, economic and ideological attitudes and policies. The author suggests that by studying famines and mass emigration in a historical context, we can better understand the capability of human agency and compassion to end the conflict, systemic inequalities, economic disparities and unregulated greed that are major contributors to both refugee crises and global hunger today.
