The United Nations warned of a "silent tsunami" caused by expensive food impacting 100 million people, with aid groups arguing that restricting exports would worsen the situation. Prime Minister Gordon Brown stated that Britain would push for changes to EU biofuels targets if it was proven that growing crops for fuel was driving up food prices, despite the bloc's decision to increase biofuel use. The World Food Programme (WFP) described the crisis as a "silent tsunami" threatening over 100 million people globally, with riots erupting in poor Asian and African nations due to soaring food prices attributed to various factors such as higher fuel costs, unfavorable weather conditions, increased demand due to rising incomes, and the use of land for biofuel production. Rice prices from Thailand, the leading exporter globally, have increased by more than 100% this year. Several major food exporting countries, such as Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Egypt, and Cambodia, have restricted food exports to ensure their own supplies. Sheeran noted that artificially induced shortages have worsened the situation, as global consumption has exceeded production for the past three years, leading to depleted stocks. The rising prices have caused the World Food Programme to face a shortage of funds for purchasing food for its programs, resulting in cutbacks to school feeding initiatives in countries like Tajikistan, Kenya, and Cambodia. The WFP, which initially estimated needing $2.9 billion in 2008 to meet its needs, now anticipates having to raise that figure by 25% due to the sharp increase in prices of essential staples such as wheat, maize, and rice. The end of an era was marked by Britain's pledge of $900 million to assist the WFP in addressing immediate issues, along with Brown expressing concerns about using crops for fuel production. He stated that the UK may change its approach based on a review, and may push for changes in EU biofuels targets. Japanese Agriculture Minister Masatoshi Wakabayashi proposed clear rules for food export restrictions through the World Trade Organisation. Rajat Nag of the Asian Development Bank emphasized that the era of inexpensive food is over, urging Asian governments to avoid market distortion with export restrictions and instead use fiscal measures to assist the less fortunate. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed concern that rising food prices could undo efforts to reduce poverty. Former Secretary-General Kofi Annan warned that climate change is worsening the global food crisis and could lead to severe hunger crises in many poor countries. He emphasized that the poorest populations are disproportionately affected by climate change, and called for those responsible for environmental damage to take responsibility. Annan highlighted the far-reaching consequences of climate change, stating that it poses a threat to health, security, political stability, and social unity.