Recognition of need for food systems transformation welcomed

Day 2 of COP28, the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference or Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC has seen some encouraging progress regarding recognition of food and agriculture in the climate crisis.

Today, 1 December 2023, 134 countries signed the Emirates Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action, committing to integrate food into their climate plans by 2025. The declaration was signed by many countries with the highest food-related greenhouse gas emissions, including Brazil, China, the European Union, and the United States.

Our Head of International Affairs, Eirini Pitsilidi, who is attending COP28 with a delegation of others from Compassion, commented:

“We welcome the United Arab Emirates (UAE)’s Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action as it shows a recognition by 134 nations of the urgent need for action on agriculture and food systems to address the climate crisis. Significantly, the Declaration acknowledges the rich intersectionality between our food systems, human and animal health, and climate impacts.

“As these 134 nations now endeavour to implement the Declaration, we welcome specifically actions which aim to mitigate further climate change, not only adapt to a changing climate. To achieve this, countries must consider the outsized impacts of industrial animal agriculture on climate change and human and animal health. We look forward to supporting governments in transitioning their food systems for a healthier, more sustainable, and higher welfare existence for humans, animals, and the planet."

Read more about our activity at COP28.