COP 28: Companies like Danone, Nestle, and Cargill unveiled transformative commitments, launching the First Movers Coalition for Food and spearheading a multi-billion-dollar effort to reshape agriculture for a sustainable, low-emission future
Food and farming activities contribute around one-third of greenhouse gas emissions globally, according to the UN's Food and Agriculture. With global population expected to reach 10 billion by 2050, food security and environmental impact issues are expected to worsen. COP28 witnessed financial pledges and research partnerships on sustainable farming and food production from companies such as Danone, Nestle, and Cargill. According to the Minister of Climate Change and Environment of the UAE, Mariam Almheiri, food production and consumption cause 30% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, consume over 70% of the world's freshwater, and contribute to 80% of deforestation and habitat loss in tropical areas.
To combat hunger and provide food for everyone, it's important to produce more food in a sustainable way that doesn't harm the planet and cause global warming beyond the 1.5-degree limit. There isn't a straightforward solution to this problem. Still, many experts believe that investing in and expanding sustainable farming methods is a key way to progress towards net-zero, nature-positive food systems while supporting the livelihoods of farmers and communities most vulnerable to climate change.
Negotiations at COP28 have risen to the challenge, with governments, private businesses and non-profits all delivering an array of commitments, investments and launches to transition farming and food production to a more sustainable future.