The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) made waves at the recent UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) held from November 11 to 22, 2024, in Baku, Azerbaijan. With the world increasingly aware of the looming threat of climate change, FAO is emphasizing the urgency of investing in agrifood systems as part of broader climate mitigation strategy.
During the event, FAO highlighted the significant role agrifood systems play not just in climate resilience, but also as solutions to interconnected global crises, including biodiversity loss, land degradation, food insecurity, and poverty. “The Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals are beyond reach without agrifood systems transformation,” asserted FAO Director-General QU Dongyu, who led the organization's delegation at the COP29. His statements echo the widespread sentiment among experts advocating for sustainable practices as foundational to global environmental strategies.
COP29, often dubbed the "climate finance COP," aimed to establish higher global climate finance targets, with discussions focusing on the establishment of the new global climate finance target (NCQG) to succeed the fading $100 billion goal. While attendees acknowledged the necessity for increased funding, many were disappointed at the lack of concrete commitments. The FAO emphasized the importance of not just amplifying financing amounts, but also wisely directing investments to achieve maximum climate impact.
Throughout the conference, QU Dongyu and FAO experts engaged with leaders from across the globe, initiating discussions and forging partnerships around agrifood transformation. Their aim was to weave these systems more tightly within national climate strategies and international environmental agreements. The FAO's focus on agrifood systems is not merely about agricultural outputs; it addresses the entire food system from production to consumption, advocating for sustainability at each level.
A highlight of FAO's involvement was during the World Leaders Summit, where QU promoted the inclusion of agrifood systems within broader climate strategies. He showcased case studies of FAO-led initiatives, particularly in Iraq and Somalia, underscoring the need for enhanced financing to support regions severely impacted by climate variability.
A notable publication from FAO, titled "The Triple Gap in Finance for Agrifood Systems," unveiled alarming statistics indicating the need for $1.1 trillion annually to align agrifood systems with international climate targets. Despite some recovery detected with climate-related development finance reaching $29 billion for agrifood systems in 2022, experts concede it still falls significantly short of required investments.
FAO's collaborative ventures at COP29, including the launch of the "Baku Harmoniya Climate Initiative for Farmers," aimed at empowering rural communities and consolidifying climate-smart agriculture programs. This initiative, supported by the FAST Partnership, seeks to boost collaborative efforts for sustainable farming practices.
The Food and Agriculture Pavilion at COP29, co-hosted by FAO and CGIAR, also emerged as a key venue for networking and knowledge sharing. Discussions held here centered around financing agrifood system transformation, emphasizing the integration of these systems within Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and exploring various carbon market opportunities.
FAO reiterated its commitment to assist countries as they implement climate action plans and secure funding for sustainable agrifood systems. This initiative aims to reinforce resilience and food security amid the pressing realities of global climate change. Amidst these discussions, Ukraine also unveiled its ambitious $78 billion green investment portfolio at COP29, dedicates to implementing its National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP).
Ukraine's Deputy Minister of Economy, Andrii Teliupa, presented during several sessions, outlining the country’s goals to slash greenhouse gas emissions by 65% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, coupled with achieving a 27% renewable energy share within total energy consumption. This ambitious NECP comprises 140 distinct measures and was approved remarkably quickly, signifying Ukraine’s commitment to climate action and sustainability.
One of the key takeaways from Teliupa's presentations was the implementation of 260 projects estimated at approximately $50 billion and 140 public investment projects weighing around $28 billion. This will enable Ukraine to establish its Green Transition Office to oversee this monumental undertaking, with expectations to present pilot projects at the Ukraine Recovery Conference yet to be held.
Discussions also touched on the matter of circular economies, where Teliupa stressed the importance of resource efficiency and shifting from linear production models. The emphasis here lies not merely on rebuilding but on “building back smarter,” signifying recovery efforts aligned with sustainability.
COP29 saw its fair share of broader discussions witnessing leaders recognizing Azerbaijan's growing role as not only significant for energy security but also as pivotal to fostering green energy investments. Addressing environmental challenges on such platforms has never been more imperative, especially with countries committing to collaborative climate actions.
At its heart, COP29 reaffirmed the conviction shared from the Baku gathering to the G20 discussions happening simultaneously—that climate action cannot wait. Cooperation and commitment are pivotal, and the climate issue now commands center stage like never before. Nations left COP29 not just with speeches but with the weight of responsibility to deliver on ambitious climate promises. Will the world rise to the challenge? Only time will tell, but as shown during this conference, the path forward hinges upon collective resolve and smart investments directed at sustainable agrifood systems and beyond.
