Economics of a disaster? Food, goods, what will be affected?

[uppityperson]

Past all the dead, their families, friends, and those affected directly by the tsunami and Fukushima plant issues, I have been wondering about world economics and supplies post-tsunami. There are so many connections around the world that a disaster in 1 country very much affects many others. I have been pondering what effects will spill around from the tsunami.

Toyota plants in Japan are shut down, or nearly so (no link, just from hearing news). So are parts factories, and electronics of many sorts including computer chips. How much rice will be affected, how much is shipped elsewhere?

What all will be affected worldwide or even locally?

It is a small world and we are all connected.

[ixion]

1. it will affect everything from food to tourism

to what degree remains to be seen, because we've never been where we are now.

[uppityperson]

4. True, I forgot tourism. Saw a news bit last night on Hawaii, thinking here

in NW WA will also lose tourism from Japan. Hawaii said its reservations were way down, thinking not just from OMGNUKE!!! paranoia but also Japanese who were affected and not taking time to go party in Hawaii. I wonder about Seattle, tourism, visiting families/friends in Seattle/etc (as well as other places, just thinking locally here).

[opihimoimoi]

2. Its possible this event has emmense global consequences...when dealing with food supplies

dimishing sources at this time when every drop of food counts...more so in developing nations....

the FAMINE PREVENTION DEPT needs more funding, focus, and implementation.

[uppityperson]

5. Interesting article on Calgary. "Shortage of Japanese food products sparks local rush"

http://www.globalregina.com/Shortage+Japanese+food+products+sparks+local+rush/4506066/story.html

Of course food in Japan is an issue, just pondering about how it will affect other places globally.

[opihimoimoi]

11. Coming soon...a Famine of mega proportions...unless we Humans address with big plan

Our current politicians ignore the big plan...instead...they focus on Band aids, moot shit, and Fantasy

People of the world want better...and we are failing to help....

[aquart]

3. They can't fish, they can't grow, they can't drink.

Now what? Personally, an international ban on futures markets would be helpful, but that's only my first instinct.

[uppityperson]

6. doing a quick googlesearch, see articles where they are importing lots of ramen

right now, instant noodles heading into the country. They are fast to cook which is good for those in disaster areas. Wondering if there will be a shortage of ramen elsewhere, or prices changed to reflect the different distribution?

[xchrom]

7. It's interesting times.

I think the money supply that the fed is pumping into the system
Is as big a problem as Fukushima.
So that's two big events - now take various droughts, floods and wars and things look
A little crazy.

[uppityperson]

8. What do you mean? Our fed or theirs? which system? thanks

I was listening to a news report last night about computer chips, so many come from japan and they have understandably cut back now, will they be at a premium soon? Will Toyota and other small cars cost more due to decreased amount being made? Will this help American automakers or hurt them since so many parts are made/assembled/whatevered in Japan?

I am just wondering, it helps get my mind off the awfulness of those directly affected. For a moment it does, puts pressure on my monkey mind and off my emotional mind.

[xchrom]

10. Ours. It's a little eye brow raising - and it's encouraging

Speculation - as I understand it.

[uppityperson]

12. Sorry, am still confused. would you clarify for me please?

The money the usa feds are pumping into what "system Is as big a problem as Fukushima."

Thank you. Things are a mess and very interconnected.

[xchrom]

13. here it is:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/19/business/economy/19fed.html

WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve sharply stepped up its efforts to bolster the economy on Wednesday, announcing that it would pump an extra $1 trillion into the financial system by purchasing Treasury bonds and mortgage securities.

while unrelated to fukushima -- it's another 'extreme' event.
this loose money has an impact on things like food prices.

[aquart]

9. And don't forget Japan also has an erupting volcano.