What's Happening?
At the UN climate conference in Belém, Brazil, activists and scientists emphasized the need for reforming agriculture to address its significant contribution to deforestation and planet-warming emissions. Agriculture accounts for about a third of global
emissions, yet most climate change funding does not target this sector. Protesters gathered outside the industry-sponsored 'Agrizone' to advocate for a transition to grassroots food systems, while hundreds of lobbyists for large agricultural companies attended the talks. The conference featured the AgriZone, showcasing low-carbon farming methods and sustainable practices. Despite the push for reform, industrial agriculture maintains a strong influence at the talks, with over 300 lobbyists present.
Why It's Important?
The focus on agriculture at the UN climate conference is critical as it highlights the sector's substantial impact on global emissions and deforestation. Reforming agricultural practices could lead to significant reductions in emissions and improve sustainability. However, the presence of industrial agriculture lobbyists underscores the challenges in shifting towards more sustainable practices. The conference's emphasis on agriculture could influence future climate policies and funding allocations, potentially benefiting smallholder farmers and promoting sustainable food systems.
What's Next?
The discussions at the UN climate conference are likely to spur further debate on agricultural reform and its role in climate change mitigation. Stakeholders, including governments, environmental groups, and agricultural companies, may continue to push for changes in funding allocations and policy frameworks to support sustainable practices. The outcome of these discussions could shape future climate negotiations and impact global efforts to reduce emissions from agriculture.
