This year’s COP28 ended with enthusiastic funding and pledges to transform the world’s food system, with agriculture taking center stage at the United Nations Climate Change Summit for the first time in the event’s history.
is more than $7.1 billion in new funding commitments According to COP28 organizers, they mobilized during the summit to fight climate change related to food. And now 152 countries have signed a historic agreement to include food and agriculture in future plans to tackle climate change.
For some, action on food was a bright spot at COP28, but climate change activists were disappointed because the final agreement did not call for phasing out fossil fuels.
“We should not only think about the outcome of the negotiations,” said Elena Cantarello. Chief Scholar in Sustainability Science At Bournemouth University, UK. “It was very positive to see so many bold partnerships being established, including the Food Systems Declaration, which for the first time requires countries to consider food in their national contributions.”
Now that the summit has officially concluded, here are some of the biggest achievements made at COP28 related to food and agriculture.
More countries signing climate change agreements on food
A further 18 countries have signed a landmark declaration to accelerate climate action on agriculture and food system transformation.
A total of 152 countries, making up some of the world’s largest food producers, have agreed to include food and agriculture as part of their plans to limit temperature rise. Russia, a major agricultural production country, recently joined the agreement.
Mariam bint Mohamed Almheiri said: “We have committed 152 countries to transform their food systems and embed those commitments into their climate strategies, while ensuring that the livelihoods of those who depend on these sectors are protected. “We have built a foundation for this kind of action.” said the UAE Minister of Climate Change and head of food systems at COP28 in a statement. “Together we must build a global food system fit for the future.”
Farmers and businesses work to transform food systems
Major food manufacturers are included in these companies. 200 non-state actors Sign a declaration pledging to advance climate action in agriculture.
The agreement is intended to serve as a complement to the declarations countries have signed to incorporate food into their climate action plans. The signatories agree to take action to, among other things, transition away from the use of fossil fuels in our food systems, promote sustainable production practices, and improve soil health.
Companies that have signed the agreement include Nestlé, Danone, Syngenta and Unilever.
US and UAE double investment in climate-smart agriculture
Funding a joint U.S.-UAE initiative to expand climate-smart agricultural practices reached over $17 billionmore than doubling the commitments achieved at COP27.
Launched two years ago, the Agricultural Innovation Mission on Climate Change (AIM4Climate) funds projects that promote sustainable agricultural practices and climate resilience. The investment increase includes $12 billion from governments such as Australia, Brazil, Canada and the United States.
AIM4Climate also launched 27 new funding sprints, specifically for innovative efforts to expand regenerative agriculture and pasture restoration. COP28 organizers announced that the initiative increased total funding received during the summit by $3.4 billion.
“This partnership embodies our shared commitment to accelerating investments in transformative food systems and climate-smart agricultural innovation,” U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement. I look forward to working with everyone in the lead-up to COP30.”
Preparation for COP30
Each country has two years to develop food-related climate action plans, which will be finalized at COP30 in Brazil.
Countries have already begun the process of sharing expertise to shape future plans. The COP28 President, together with the World Bank and other partners, announced the Agri-Food Sharm El Sheikh Support Program, a three-year program to foster dialogue and knowledge sharing.
Countries including Italy and the UK have also announced their participation in a technical cooperation cooperative aimed at helping countries implement climate action.
Ismahane El-Afi, Executive Director of the International Federation of Agricultural Research Centers, said: “By combining our efforts, we can support countries, especially in the Global South, to develop and implement national pathways based on science and evidence. ” he said.
