The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has taken a significant step forward in addressing the challenges posed by climate change with the launch of its Action Plan designed to support the implementation of the ambitious Strategy on Climate Change 2022-2031.
Endorsed by FAO's executive body, the Council, in June 2022, the Strategy envisions agrifood systems as sustainable, inclusive, resilient, and adaptive to the impacts of climate change. Agrifood systems cover the entire spectrum of agricultural activities, from production and storage to transportation, processing, distribution, marketing, and consumption.
However, they are currently responsible for approximately one-third of total greenhouse gas emissions, making them both a contributor to and a victim of the climate crisis. Nevertheless, these systems also hold promising solutions for combatting climate change, including resilience building, adaptation, mitigation, and sequestration.
The overarching goal of the strategy is to promote the adoption and investment in climate solutions within agrifood systems, fostering adaptive, resilient, and low-emission economies. It aims to ensure the provision of sufficient, safe, and nutritious food for healthy diets, as well as other agricultural products and services, for both present and future generations, with an unwavering commitment to leaving no one behind.
One of the most critical aspects of the strategy is its recognition of the urgency of the situation. Climate change impacts are already being felt worldwide, and the strategy emphasizes that action must be taken promptly to mitigate further damage and adapt to the changes that are already underway.
To ensure the Strategy's successful and timely implementation, FAO has meticulously developed the Action Plan in consultation with its member states. This approach ensures that the plan aligns closely with the specific needs and priorities of FAO's diverse membership.
FAO Director-General QU Dongyu highlighted the significance of the strategy on Climate Change, stating, "This Action Plan will help implement agrifood system solutions to climate change from across all FAO areas of work, ensuring we are working as one FAO." The strategy not only addresses climate change but also tackles interconnected challenges such as biodiversity loss, desertification, land and environmental degradation, and the crucial need for accessible, affordable renewable energy. Additionally, it underscores the importance of maintaining food and water security.
The Action Plan rests on three key pillars. Firstly, there will be a strong focus on advocacy at global and regional levels to raise awareness of the urgency and importance of addressing climate change in agrifood systems. Secondly, at the country level, FAO will provide policy support to enable nations to take effective climate action within their agricultural sectors. Lastly, the plan emphasizes the scaling-up of climate action on the ground by collaborating with local stakeholders and supporting vulnerable populations.
