July 24, 2023 | FAO | Source
The UN Food Systems Summit+2 Stocktaking Moment in Rome focused on climate action, with discussions on building climate-resilient agrifood systems and reducing their carbon footprint to meet global food demand while protecting the environment. FAO Director-General QU Dongyu emphasized that climate change is a key driver of food insecurity, with agrifood systems responsible for a third of global greenhouse gas emissions. He highlighted the need for urgent transformation to make these systems more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. FAO is taking bold climate action, including innovations to curb methane emissions, improve value chain efficiency, reduce food loss and waste, and restore ecosystems.
Italian Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani stressed Italy's support for strong climate action and its commitment to the upcoming UN Climate Conference COP28. The UAE Minister of Climate Change Mariam Almheiri officially launched the COP28 Food Systems and Agriculture agenda, calling on governments to integrate climate adaptation and mitigation into national food system strategies. The event included participation from heads of state, government, and climate envoys, highlighting the importance of climate resilience for food security and sustainable livelihoods.
FAO will continue working with countries to ensure that agrifood systems contribute to climate, biodiversity, land degradation, and sustainable development goals.