COP28 Summit: 134 countries sign declaration for addressing global emissions and protecting farmer lives
134 world leaders have signed the 'COP28 UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action.
Dubai: In a historic move, 134 world leaders have signed the ‘COP28 UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action,’ marking a significant step towards addressing global emissions and safeguarding the lives of farmers. The announcement was made during a special session of the World Climate Action Summit (WCAS), led by prominent figures including Joko Widodo, President of Indonesia, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Fiame Naomi Mataafa, Prime Minister of Samoa, and Anthony J. Blinken, Secretary of State for the US.
Key Highlights:
- Landmark Declaration: The COP28 Presidency revealed that the Declaration aims to tackle global emissions while prioritizing the well-being of farmers, who bear the brunt of climate change impacts.
- Financial Support: Alongside the Declaration, a mobilization of over $2.5 billion in funding was announced to support food security initiatives while combatting climate change.
- UAE-Gates Foundation Partnership: A new partnership between the UAE and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation was introduced, focusing on food systems innovation in the face of climate change.
- Global Significance: The 134 signatory countries, representing over 5.7 billion people and nearly 500 million farmers, produce 70% of the world’s food and are responsible for 76% of all emissions from global food systems.
- Climate Ambitions: The Declaration emphasizes the need for coordinated action on climate change, acknowledging the critical role of sustainable agriculture and food systems in achieving the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement.
Mariam Almheiri, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment said, “Countries must put food systems and agriculture at the heart of their climate ambitions, addressing both global emissions and protecting the lives and livelihoods of farmers living on the frontline of climate change.”
QU Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) said, “Global agrifood systems are the climate solution.”
Challenges and Responses:
The Declaration recognizes that while food systems are essential for societal needs, they also contribute to a third of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Acknowledging the heightened vulnerability of smallholder farmers in low- and middle-income countries, the Declaration calls for global cooperation to strengthen food systems and build resilience to climate change.
The endorsement of the Declaration is seen as a turning point, emphasizing sustainable agriculture and food systems as integral components in the fight against climate change and hunger. The commitment aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), emphasizing a shared responsibility to leave no one behind.
Ms Kalinga