The spotlight on food and agriculture at COP28 in the UAE has been unprecedented, culminating in a historic commitment with more than 152 countries officially endorsing the Emirates Declaration on Agriculture, Food Systems, and Climate Action. The ground breaking commitment aims to adapt and transform food systems as a crucial element in addressing the climate crisis.
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Key Highlights:
- Emirates Declaration: Over 152 countries officially endorsed the Emirates Declaration on Agriculture, Food Systems, and Climate Action, marking a historic commitment to transform food systems in response to the climate crisis.
- Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The global food system contributes to approximately one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions, with a significant focus on the environmental impact of food production, consumption, and waste.
- Food Day at COP: December 10 was dedicated to food-related discussions, featuring the launch of a roadmap by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) outlining agrifood solutions for countries to meet their climate targets. It emphasized the need for a shift toward climate-friendly practices within the food industry.
- Plant-Based Lifestyle Advocacy: COP28 demonstrated a commitment to sustainable food choices, with two-thirds of the food served being plant-based. The campaign, supported by ProVeg International, advocated for climate-friendly food choices and showcased the power of collective efforts.
- Food4Climate Pavilion: The conference featured three pavilions dedicated to food – Food4Climate Pavilion, Food Systems Pavilion, and the AgriFood Pavilion. These pavilions addressed various aspects of sustainable eating, food systems, and their roles in climate change.
- Farm to Fork Initiatives: COP28 emphasized the importance of minimizing food wastage, with Expo City Farm providing an on-site farm experience for visitors. Immersive cooking classes, guided by plant-based chefs, educated visitors on sustainable cooking using locally grown produce.
- FAO Global Food Systems Roadmap: The UN’s FAO released the first-ever global food systems’ roadmap, recommending nations to limit excessive meat consumption and enhance livestock farming practices to meet climate targets.
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The initiatives at COP28 highlighted the pivotal role of food and agriculture in the climate crisis, with a focus on raising awareness, transforming food systems, and advocating for sustainable practices from production to consumption. The commitment to plant-based lifestyles and farm-to-fork initiatives showcased a collective effort toward a more sustainable and climate-friendly future.
