The 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) is set to take place in Belém, Brazil, gathering leaders, scientists, and activists from around the world. The goal? To confront climate change head-on and find effective solutions.
A key player in these discussions is the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). They aim to center agriculture and food security in the dialogue—issues that are critical given that climate-related challenges threaten our ability to produce food. According to the FAO, climate extremes are already affecting farmers, fishers, and pastoralists, leading to decreased yields, erratic weather, and more pests. This isn’t a future concern; it’s happening now. Globally, around 700 million people face hunger, and climate change plays a significant part in this crisis.
Kaveh Zahedi, from FAO, emphasizes that without urgent action, the future of food production looks grim. For example, one-third of agricultural land is already degraded. If trends continue, many regions may not be able to sustain farming or provide enough food.
So, what are the FAO’s main goals for COP30? Their message is straightforward: Sustainable and resilient agricultural practices are vital for fighting climate change and ensuring food security. Without reforming our food systems, achieving the Paris Agreement goals will be tough. They plan to advocate for integrating agricultural solutions into national climate strategies and boosting climate financing for food systems, which currently receives around only 4% of climate-related funding.
COP30 provides a platform for affirming that agriculture is essential in climate discussions. It’s also a chance to highlight the role of forests in climate adaptation and carbon management.
Importantly, the conference will bring together about 3,000 Indigenous Peoples. Their traditional knowledge in managing land sustainably can be key to adaptation strategies. For example, a program in Brazil’s Bahia region helps revive traditional cocoa farming methods that boost biodiversity and resilience.
This conference is a pivotal opportunity to place agriculture at the heart of climate action. The intersection of climate change and food security must be addressed now to safeguard our future.
For those seeking more insights on the impacts of climate change and food systems, check the FAO’s findings here.
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