Countries committed in making their own food system: COP28

Subject :Environment

Section: Int Conventions

Context:

World leaders have convened at the 28th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP28) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from November 30 to December 12.

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Notably, this COP marks a significant departure by placing a major focus on food systems and their sustainability, acknowledging their pivotal role in achieving the Paris Agreement Goals.
The UAE has dedicated a day, December 10, to discussions on food, agriculture, and water, and has called for world leaders to endorse the COP28 Declaration on Resilient Food Systems, Sustainable Agriculture, and Climate Action.

Key Highlights:

Historic Emphasis on Food Systems:

COP28 prioritizes food systems, previously overlooked in climate negotiations.
Dedicated day and COP28 Declaration stress urgency in addressing the link between food systems and climate change.

Alignment with Paris Agreement Goals:

COP28 Declaration urges national governments to align food systems and agriculture strategies with Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) under the Paris Agreement.
Underscores interconnectedness of climate action and sustainable food practices.

Fossil Fuels and Food Systems Link:

Acknowledgment of intricate link between food systems and fossil fuels.
Pressure on COP28 to prioritize phasing out fossil fuels due to the significant reliance of the food industry on high-carbon energy.
Emphasis on comprehensive transformation in food production, processing, packaging, consumption, and waste management.

Caution Against Greenwashing:

Concerns raised about the influence of fossil fuel and Big Agriculture lobbyists at COP28.
Criticism of potentially pushing unproven technological solutions.
“Climate-smart” approaches like “efficient” use of fertilizers and pesticides are criticized for reinforcing harmful industrial food and agriculture systems.

Global Initiatives and Local Actions:

The Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate Initiative faces criticism for controversial solutions.
Coalition of 70 organizations advocates for holistic food systems approach within UNFCCC.
Emphasis on local governments spearheading actions promoting sustainable diets, reducing food waste, and supporting organic farming.

Climate Finance and Agriculture:

Agriculture, often overlooked in climate financing, receives minimal attention.
Smallholder farmers receive only 0.3% of climate finance.
Urgent calls to channel funds to smallholder farmers on the frontlines of the climate crisis.

Upcoming Reports and Expectations:

IPES-Food report emphasizes the urgency of a just transition toward resilient, diverse food systems.
Food and Agriculture Organization to release a report during COP28, highlighting the impact of loss and damage on agrifood systems.