COP28 is set to dedicate a specific day to acknowledge the essential role that food systems play in relation to climate change. This focus will explore the effects of food production, transportation, and storage on carbon emissions, as well as their vulnerability to changing climatic conditions.
A coalition of approximately 80 organizations, including WWF and the Food Systems Partnership, has called upon the UNFCCC to recognize the necessity of transforming food systems to meet the objectives outlined in the Paris Agreement. This transformation is viewed as vital for achieving sustainable climate goals.
The Leaders Declaration serves as an invitation to governments to ensure that their national food systems and agricultural strategies are consistent with their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), and National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs).
The UN Global Stocktake report underscores the pivotal role of sustainable agricultural practices. It highlights the importance of shifting diets, minimizing food loss and waste, and curtailing land expansion in the pursuit of net-zero targets.
The relationship between food production, transportation, and storage is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, which significantly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Notably, these emissions are comparable to the total emissions of the European Union countries and Russia combined.
Despite the transition to renewable energy, the food system's reliance on fossil fuels will not diminish directly. This dependence extends beyond just electricity and transportation; it includes the use of petrochemicals for plastic packaging and petroleum-based pesticides and fertilizers.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts that petrochemicals will account for half of the growth in oil demand by 2050. Additionally, ammonia production is anticipated to increase by 40% by the same year, primarily driven by its use in hydrogen production for fertilizers.
Redirecting agricultural subsidies can significantly enhance environmental sustainability and improve human well-being. This can be achieved by promoting sustainable production methods and reducing forest loss, while also decreasing the incentivization of fossil fuel usage.
Regrettably, very few countries have integrated agriculture into their climate action plans. Many NDCs lack comprehensive details regarding funding requirements for climate initiatives targeting food systems.
Food loss and waste (FLW) contribute to 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Addressing this issue is crucial for transitioning to sustainable food systems and ensuring equitable access to food for all.
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