At the COP28 climate summit in Dubai, 134 nations signed a historic statement vowing to cut greenhouse gas emissions from food production and consumption dramatically. Following more than 30 years of similar conferences, this landmark climate policy conference includes the first-ever inclusion of food systems. Food systems are critical in the face of a climatic crisis.
According to Monica Crippa and Adrian Leap’s research in 2021, the food industry is responsible for one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions. The majority of these emissions are caused by farming and other land use changes, such as clearing land for agriculture by chopping down trees. Food loss and waste account for over half of the emissions produced by the food chain. It is vital to address these concerns if we are to keep global warming at 1.5°C over pre-industrial levels. Â
According to the non-binding agreement signed at COP28, nations must include food and agriculture in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which are plans to reduce emissions. The statement, however, does not address the impact of fossil fuels on food systems. Experts are putting pressure on COP28 organizers to include food systems and other specific measures in the final accord. Â
When it comes to lowering food-related emissions, one of the most controversial issues is the world’s eating habits, particularly the consumption of meat. Plant-based diets produce fewer emissions than animal-based diets. Reduced use of animal products in high-consumption nations may result in considerable reductions in emissions. Many low- and middle-income nations rely on meat as a protein source.
Thus, this transformation will need careful political discussion and consideration of global equality. Individuals‘ changing eating patterns across the world create a range of nutrition, political, and environmental concerns. Governments frequently promote industrial-scale food production as a tool of economic expansion, despite the possible environmental implications.
Furthermore, huge businesses wield substantially more clout in legislation than indigenous groups or small-scale farmers. While nations with more significant disposable income may find it easier to limit meat consumption, this is only sometimes the case in countries where meat is a staple meal. At COP28, world leaders drafted the first-ever global climate accord on food, recognizing the crucial role of food systems in combating climate change.
To address the complex difficulties of decreasing emissions related to food while fulfilling nutritional needs, attaining environmental goals, and supporting economic growth, more targeted efforts and worldwide collaboration are necessary. As the summit draws to a close, people all around the globe are waiting for the revelation of a more definite strategy to address the climate catastrophe. Â
Journal Reference Â
Wong, C. (2023). Eat less meat: Will the first global climate deal on food work? Retrieved from https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-03960-0Â
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