UN: Agriculture’s 40% Impact on Global Climate

December 2, 2023

A recent analysis by the United Nations (UN) reveals that agriculture stands out as the most climate-affected sector globally, with 40% of countries experiencing economic losses directly tied to it. This report, released by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on December 1, 2023, adds significant weight to the ongoing discussions at the 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Dubai, UAE.

Agriculture – The Most Stressed Sector

The FAO report delves into the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) of 168 countries under the 2015 Paris Agreement. Shockingly, it reveals that agriculture is the single most impacted area, explicitly mentioned in one-third (35%) of current climate action plans. Strikingly, three-fourths of countries highlighting loss and damage are middle-income nations, predominantly in Latin America and the Caribbean, East Asia and the Pacific, and Europe and Central Asia.

Economic vs. Non-Economic Losses

The analysis made a critical distinction between economic and non-economic losses. While 33% of non-economic losses are related to the agricultural sector, surprisingly, agriculture has not been a primary focus in discussions surrounding loss and damage and climate finance. The agrifood sector, employing over 866 million people globally and representing a $3.6 trillion turnover in 2020, remains a cornerstone in global systems.

Agrifood Communities’ Challenges

Communities relying on agrifood systems for their livelihoods are grappling with acute challenges, including poverty, food insecurity, and limited access to services. The FAO study underscores the staggering impact, noting an estimated $3.8 trillion worth of crops and livestock production lost due to natural disasters over the last 30 years.

Need for Improved Methodologies and Tools

The FAO report emphasizes the need to enhance methodologies and tools for assessing negative impacts of climate change. Existing methods often fall short, particularly in capturing slow-onset events and non-economic dimensions of loss and damage. Additionally, the lack of an internationally agreed definition on loss and damage further complicates efforts to address this multifaceted challenge.

Emirates Declaration: Integrating Food into Climate Plans

The Emirates Declaration, announced at COP28, marks a historic commitment by 134 countries to integrate food into their climate plans (NDCs) by 2025. This commitment, a first in UN climate talks, includes countries with the highest food systems-related greenhouse gas emissions, such as Brazil, China, and the European Union.

Global Support for the Declaration

COP28, along with a group of partners, announced a collaborative effort to offer countries quality technical cooperation to deliver on the objectives of the Declaration. The Technical Cooperation Collaborative pledged over USD$200 million in new support and increased coordination across wider portfolios. Experts commend the Declaration as a crucial step toward recognizing the linkages between food, agriculture, and climate change.

Experts’ Call for Urgent Action and Investments

Experts stress the urgency of governments following up with concrete investments to deliver on the commitments outlined in the Declaration. They emphasize that science-based innovations, coupled with adequate funding and integration into policymaking, are essential to drive the transformation needed across global food systems.

Addressing Food Loss and Waste: A Key Component

The Emirates Declaration includes clear references to reducing food loss and waste. Experts highlight that this issue lies at the heart of the food and climate crises, with one-third of all produced food never reaching people’s tables. Strengthening policies and incentives, particularly through initiatives like food banks, can significantly contribute to reducing waste, emissions, and feeding more people in need.

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