Photo credit: UNFCCC 2022
COP27 reached its halfway point this weekend as delegates turned their attention to the vital issues of adaption, agriculture and food systems in the context of climate change.
This was the first ever day dedicated to agriculture and adaption in a COP, with the UN and other large organisations reminding us of why discussions around food are so important. There is the impact on climate change with a third of all global greenhouse gas emissions coming from industrialised food systems. The climate crisis is directly impacting on farming and food security globally with farmers in developed countries regularly having to face droughts, floods and cyclones. These farmers are responsible for one-third of the world’s food, yet receive only 1.7 per cent of climate finance. As an example of the impact, it is estimated that 37 million people are facing starvation in the Greater Horn of Africa after four consecutive droughts and unprecedented floods have hit Pakistan’s major agricultural regions, taking its toll on their food supply.
Precisely to address these issues, a new initiative was launched. Food and Agriculture for Sustainable Transformation (or FAST) was set up to improve the quantity and quality of climate finance contributions to transform agriculture and food systems by 2030. Different strategies for simultaneously improving food supply/security and reducing emissions were discussed and negotiated. In the negotiation room, the agenda was mostly focussed on making industrialised agriculture bigger and better through ‘climate smart agriculture’ and tech-driven solutions. Other experts and interest groups pushed for a complete transformation to create more sustainable, healthy food systems and agroecological farming as an alternative to the current industrialised system.
Certainly over the coming months and years, their will be significant pressure on industrial food companies to prioritise more sustainable methods for both the environment and food security purposes.
We will be back tomorrow to discuss the events of Gender and Water Day at COP27.
ABOUT DJB:
DJB is a national law firm that specialises entirely in real estate. The firm has offices in London, Manchester and Birmingham ensuring truly national coverage. The firm is renowned for its high quality legal work and service.
We only recruit experienced lawyers with excellent calibre. As a result, our legal team of around 50 lawyers have an average post-qualification experience that exceeds 20 years. Most have joined us from other City firms, in-house departments and/or senior roles. Our lawyers have advised some of the UK’s most significant land owners including Barclays Bank, HSBC, Credit Suisse, Rolls Royce, The Royal Parks, The Cabinet Office and The Crown Estate. This focus on quality only has led to a 50% male and female Partner rate.
All of our clients are provided with a dedicated client care professional at no extra charge, which ensures that they receive the highest standard of service at all times.
DJB is regularly selected to advise on high profile projects such as the hosting of the London 2012 Olympic Games by The Royal Parks and the first Sukuk Bond to be entered into by a Western Government on behalf of HM Treasury. Based in London at The Shard and also Manchester and Birmingham, DJB has a national presence.
The firm enjoys top tier rankings in all of the main directories, as well as receiving many awards.