Most of us readily accept a strong association between a secure, empowered population and a reduction of birth-rate and family-size.  And the obverse; that a  population living on the brink expresses their anxiety as a steady stream of babies. (Gaza averages 6 per female, highest in the world.)

A similar association exists for food.  When things are getting dicey and folks start feeling insecure, they become acutely interested in the topic of food.  Especially, they are keen to see that they have more, not less control over the source of their food.

Environmentalism in general and anthropogenic global warming activism in particular could enhance their stature and improve their relations with the general public, by engaging in more 'visible' small-scale food promotion. (I know that many in these fields have the interest, but may not realize what a catalyst it can be with the public.)

Home-gardens.  Orchards.  Experimental grain-raising.  Small livestock.

Indeed, I think the recent increase in urban 'agricultural' projects is very much about exactly this phenomenon ... and opportunity.

Drag out those nursery-catalogs, sort through your seed-packets, and look at the garden as a social venue!