By Ruchi Tripathi, Climate and Nature Director, Global Alliance for the Future of Food, and Matheus Alves Zanella, Senior Advisor, Global Fora, Global Alliance for the Future of Food
2024 has been marked as the warmest year in recorded history, giving us a glimpse into the challenges of our warming planet. The effects of climate change are severe. Communities are struggling with extreme weather, leading to increased hunger and displacement. For example, in southern Africa, a long-lasting drought has left 27 million people without enough food. Similarly, floods and droughts in the Sahel and South Sudan have pushed many more into crisis. Sadly, many of these climate-related disasters often go unnoticed.
Food systems play a crucial role in this crisis, generating about one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions. Small-scale farmers, particularly women, face the brunt of climate impacts. To protect our planet and ensure food security, we need to shift away from industrial agriculture, which relies heavily on fossil fuels, towards agroecological practices that enhance biodiversity and support local communities.
Fortunately, change is already underway in many areas. For instance, Monicah Yator in Kenya leads the Indigenous Women and Girls Initiative. She empowers farmers in her community through training in agroecology and environmental feminism. This approach builds resilience, promotes food sovereignty, and tackles climate change, food insecurity, and gender inequalities.
On a global level, however, progress could be in jeopardy. This year saw three major climate conferences, yet food systems weren’t a central topic of discussion. However, there were some positive outcomes. For instance, the focus on conserving grasslands and rangelands at the UN Convention to Combat Desertification was noteworthy.
Critics point to rising nationalism and skepticism about climate change as major challenges we face. The upcoming COP 30 conference in Belém, Brazil, is an opportunity to showcase regional leadership. It’s essential that we understand the implications this conference holds for global action.
COP 30 seems inclined to prioritize implementation. This involves examining national climate plans, known as nationally determined contributions (NDCs), and addressing how to finance these initiatives. It’s vital to include food systems in these discussions and create connections between agriculture and other global frameworks.
Securing financial support is key to progress. Unfortunately, the recent agreements on climate finance have been underwhelming. Research shared at COP 29 showed that major climate funds often miss grassroots farmers who need it the most. Despite overall growth in climate finance from 2017 to 2022, only a tiny fraction—just 1.5%—has gone to sustainable food systems.
Transforming our food systems is crucial and costs significantly less than maintaining the current, unsustainable practices. We must increase funding that allows for creative and adaptive approaches to climate challenges. Indigenous Peoples and local communities hold invaluable insights and solutions; without their involvement and support, ambitious policies may fall flat.
Food producers are critical to turning international commitments into real actions. Yet, these farmers receive a shockingly small portion of climate finance, despite their vital role in global food production. Many, like Brazilian agroforestry farmer Karina David, are already advocating for change. She has used her knowledge in international discussions to push for better recognition and support for farmers.
Looking ahead, the success of COP 30 depends on policymaker engagement with frontline voices. While the global climate talks are important, they are just part of a broader, year-round effort by local advocates working for food justice and environmental sustainability.
Ultimately, to create meaningful change, we must empower grassroots movements. This local strength can elevate community-driven solutions and enhance global efforts, fostering a more resilient food system that works for everyone.
Check out this related article: Advocacy Groups Warn: Mass FDA Layoffs Could Threaten Food Safety and the ‘MAHA’ Agenda
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