The 28th Conference of the Parties (COP 28) began with the promising adoption of the UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action. In addition to this, for the first time at a COP, an entire day was dedicated to Food Systems.
This is of course a clear indication that the world is seeing the inextricable link between food and climate change. However, there remain gaps in the global climate food policy framework.
UAE Declaration and Certain Deficiencies
Endorsed by 134 countries, the UAE Declaration marked a significant step in integrating agriculture into climate discussions. Yet, the broader context of COP 28 revealed some policy deficiencies. A critical issue was the exclusion of food systems from the Global Stocktake Draft, a key component of the Paris Agreement for assessing global climate mitigation progress.
This omission is alarming, considering the agriculture sector's substantial emissions and vulnerability to climate impacts. The sector's dual role as both a contributor to and a mitigator of climate change underscores the need for its inclusion in comprehensive climate assessments and policies.
Globally, food systems are responsible for about 30% of the current anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions driving climate change. Animal products—including animal emissions, feed, changes in land use and energy-intensive global supply chains—account for almost 60% of food-related emissions. Furthermore, the food system accounts for 60% of all methane emissions, with half of those coming from livestock farming and primarily from enteric fermentation.
Methane's global warming potential is 80 times that of carbon dioxide over 20 years, and livestock is responsible for 32% of human-induced methane emissions. COP 28's focus on methane reflects a growing awareness of its importance.
Global Methane Pledge
The expansion of the Global Methane Pledge, now with 150 signatories committed to reducing methane emissions by 30% by 2030, continues the momentum from COP 26. This progress is promising but demands a detailed analysis of its practical implications and challenges.
A significant concern is the role of animal agriculture in methane emissions, a complex issue intertwined with global food security, economic livelihoods, and cultural practices. The pledge's success will ultimately depend on its effective implementation.
Alternative Proteins
COP 28 also spotlighted sustainable nutrition and food security, emphasising protein diversification and innovation. The United Nations Environmental Programme released a report titled “What's Cooking” in which it highlighted alternative proteins (plant-based food, products made from precision fermentation and cultivated meats) as technologies that could help feed the world safely and sustainably.
It cited a study which estimated that US$10.1 billion in annual government support for research and manufacturing in alternatives to animal-sourced foods such as plant-based and cultivated meat could see such novel products taking 50% of market share by 2050.
Discussions at COP included a shift towards indigenous crops like millets and yams to benefit smallholder farmers and innovations in cultivated meat and milk. The FAO's declaration of 2023 as the International Year of Millets, strongly supported by the Indian government, recognises the health, nutritional, and climate resilience benefits of these crops.
Such initiatives help regions in leaning in on the crops they traditionally grew which are often far more sustainable. Additionally, initiatives like Denmark's national action plan for plant-based diets which was released a month before COP 28 and the Dutch government's investment in cultivated meat and dairy are notable steps.
Importantly, the day 9 of COP 28 saw a day-long conference on advancing protein diversification at the Food Systems Pavilion. The event was organised by Cellular Agriculture Europe and had a varied group of participants, such as farmers, government representatives, including Rick Duke, US Department of State, Vice Minister for International Trade & Development Cooperation, Alessandro Cruvinel, Steven Collet, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from the Netherlands and the Director of Innovation of the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock.
Non-profit organisations such as the Good Food Institute and the Global Food Banking Network, and many innovators, also came together to engage in open and authentic discussions about both the benefits of and ways to improve cellular agriculture.
Role of Smallholder Farmers
The welfare of smallholder farmers remains a critical issue who are on the frontlines of climate change and changing weather patterns.
According to Dr Zitouni Ould Dada, Deputy Director, Food and Agriculture Organisation, even as the smallholder farmers produce 80% of the food in developing countries, they receive only 0.3% of climate finance.
"Most of these farmers are women, facing significant challenges. Empowering them with easy access to information, finance and a set at the table goes a long way in fighting climate change,” he suggests.
India Context
In India, smallholder, and marginal farmers with less than two hectares of land account for 86.2% of all farmers but own just 47.3% of the arable lands. As the country transition to more sustainable agricultural production, we must ensure that growth is inclusive and these farmers access both funding and innovation.
India's decision not to sign the Global Methane Pledge or the UAE Declaration at COP 28 underscores the challenge of balancing environmental commitments with economic needs, particularly in countries with large agricultural sectors like India, where addressing methane emissions is complex due to the impact on farmers' livelihoods.
This reflects a broader dilemma for the Global South between immediate economic concerns and long-term environmental goals.
However, India stands to gain immensely from protein diversification. These initiatives can bolster our food security and contribute to a reduction in methane emissions.
By encouraging farmers to shift from methane-intensive crops to traditional varieties, often referred to as "ancient grains," we can achieve a more sustainable agricultural model. This transition not only supports environmental goals but also preserves agricultural heritage.
India, responsible for manufacturing 60% of the world's vaccines, already possesses the technological foundation to produce cultivated foods. This capability positions India not as a follower but as a potential leader in the global market for sustainable, nutritious, and innovative food products.
Building on its current trajectory towards becoming a hub for advanced technologies, such as AI chip manufacturing, India can expand its scope into the realm of cultivated foods. This strategic move could solidify India's role at the forefront of sustainable food technology and innovation.
— The author, Ambika Hiranandani, is a lawyer and regulatory policy advisor for novel foods. The views expressed are personal.
(Edited by : C H Unnikrishnan)
