The United Nations annual climate conference, COP28, places a spotlight on food and agriculture as a key focus area for addressing global greenhouse gas emissions.
As the United Nations annual climate conference, COP28, unfolds in Dubai, the term “food system transformation” has become a buzzword among attendees. This year, the conference has taken an unprecedented step by dedicating significant attention to food and agriculture, acknowledging their role in global greenhouse gas emissions. With the food system responsible for approximately one-third of these emissions, the spotlight on agriculture is long overdue. However, the conference is not without controversy, as differing opinions on what a transformed food system entails and concerns about the host country’s intentions have emerged. Nevertheless, the urgency to address the impact of agriculture on climate change is clear, particularly for those already experiencing its adverse effects.
The Vision for a Transformed Food System
While the focus on food and agriculture at COP28 is commendable, there is a lack of consensus on what a truly transformed food system looks like. Advocacy groups appreciate the attention given to food but highlight the absence of rules or standards for reducing agricultural emissions in the negotiations. Instead, the conference primarily focuses on climate change adaptation and resilience. Some attendees have chosen to boycott the event due to concerns about the host country’s ties to the oil industry, raising questions about the motives behind the intensified focus on agriculture.
Industry Presence and Advocacy
The carbon-intensive meat and dairy industries, along with major grain growers and traders, are actively participating in COP28. These industries aim to defend the role of their products in a warming world and challenge the scientific consensus that reducing meat consumption is necessary to mitigate methane emissions. Lobbying groups from these sectors will make their case during the conference, while advocacy groups emphasize the importance of including small-holder farmers from the Global South, who are disproportionately affected by climate change, in the decision-making process.
Methane and Meat Consumption
Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is primarily emitted by livestock agriculture. COP28 will address methane emissions, with a session dedicated to tracking progress on the Global Methane Pledge. This commitment aims to reduce methane emissions by 45% by 2030, with a current emphasis on the oil and gas sector. Advocacy groups will closely monitor whether the agriculture sector receives equal attention and robust commitments. The meat and dairy industries will actively participate in the conference to challenge the narrative that consumers need to reduce their meat consumption to mitigate methane emissions.
Deforestation and Agriculture
Deforestation, largely driven by agriculture, remains a pressing issue. At COP26, over 140 countries pledged to halt and reverse deforestation and land degradation by 2030. However, deforestation rates have continued to rise since then. Environmental and conservation groups will push for the full implementation of the declaration, including strong financing commitments. They will also monitor the inclusion of Indigenous groups, who have proven effective in defending against deforestation. Major food and agriculture corporations, such as JBS and Cargill, made commitments to cut emissions and halt forest loss but have struggled to fulfill these promises.
Tackling Food Waste
Food waste contributes 8 to 10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. For the first time, cutting food waste is specifically mentioned in the “COP28 Leaders Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action.” Advocacy groups welcome this acknowledgment and emphasize the need to integrate food systems into national climate action plans and adaptation strategies. Prevention of food loss and waste is seen as a crucial step in addressing the impact of food systems on climate change.
Conclusion:
COP28’s focus on food and agriculture marks a significant shift in acknowledging the role of the food system in global greenhouse gas emissions. However, the lack of consensus on what constitutes a transformed food system and concerns about the host country’s intentions have generated controversy. While industry lobbying groups advocate for the continued role of carbon-intensive industries, advocacy groups emphasize the importance of including small-holder farmers and addressing the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable communities. The conference also addresses methane emissions, deforestation, and food waste, highlighting the interconnectedness of these issues within the broader climate change context. As COP28 progresses, the world watches to see if meaningful commitments and actions will emerge to drive the much-needed transformation of the global food system.
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