In a comprehensive “stocktake” at the UN climate summit, world leaders celebrated the conclusion of the two-week conference in Dubai, hailing it as the beginning of the end of the fossil fuel era.
While an agreement was reached to transition away from coal, oil, and gas, the summit fell short of setting specific goals for the agriculture sector, which contributes one-third of global greenhouse gases.
The 21-page global stocktake encouraged the adoption of sustainable agriculture and resilient food systems, emphasizing integrated, multi-sectoral solutions and nature-based approaches.
However, it stopped short of mandating targets for emissions reduction in the agricultural sector, leaving contributions from the food and agriculture industry voluntary.
Wanjira Mathai of the World Resources Institute expressed cautious optimism, stating, “We have to cross our fingers and hope that governments deliver on promises to put food in new national climate plans.”
A significant development at COP28 was the Emirates Declaration, signed by 154 nations, including major agricultural players. The declaration acknowledged the crucial role of agriculture and food systems in achieving the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement.
It emphasized the need for urgent adaptation and transformation in response to climate change, with specific goals such as scaling up adaptation activities to reduce the vulnerability of farmers and other food producers.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack highlighted the declaration as a milestone, outlining how the food and agriculture sector can contribute to mitigating and adapting to global warming. However, critics argue that without concrete targets and funding commitments, the declaration’s impact remains uncertain.
The COP28 also saw six major food makers pledging to reduce dairy methane emissions, addressing nearly 10 percent of global methane emissions. While methane is a potent greenhouse gas, its shorter atmospheric lifespan was noted, contrasting with the long-lasting impact of carbon dioxide.
Despite these positive steps, the lack of specific goals for greenhouse gas reductions in agriculture raises concerns about the effectiveness of global efforts to combat climate change.
The need for funding and a commitment to deliver on promises made at the summit will be crucial in addressing the challenges posed by the agricultural sector, a key player in the fight against climate change.
Comments are closed.