DUBAI (December 13, 2023)— The international climate negotiations in Dubai concluded with a clear message that the world needs to transition away from fossil fuels. The final agreed language of the Global Stocktake also referenced the importance of expanding renewable energy and slashing non-CO2 emissions, including methane.
The two-week conference also highlighted the central role of the food system transformation, including the release of the Emirates Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action, which was signed by 154 countries, and the Non-State Actors Call to Action for Transforming Food Systems for People, Nature, and Climate, which was signed by more than 200 entities.
GFN was active at COP28, including hosting the first-ever day on Food Loss and Waste at the Food Pavilion.
Following is a statement by Lisa Moon, President & CEO of The Global FoodBanking Network (GFN):
“COP28 put the issue of the food transition squarely on the table of the international climate negotiations. The release for the Emirates Declaration and the non-State Actors Letter were two of the clear signs that the food system transformation must be considered alongside the energy transition as an essential way to respond to the climate crisis. By shifting to a more sustainable food system, the world can cut emissions, enhance resilience and expand food access for the hundreds of millions of people who don’t get enough to eat each year.
“At the COP, the role of reducing food loss and waste emerged as a major theme. Food loss and waste is responsible for 8-10 percent of emissions. By cutting food loss and waste, the world can feed more people and cut methane, which was highlighted in the Global Stocktake text.
“GFN and its global network play an important role in reducing food loss and waste by collecting and redistributing surplus food, as well as by supporting complementary food policies and strategies, and advocating for action the national and local levels.
“We are encouraged by the progress at COP28 to recognize the role of the food sector, and we will continue to work with our partners around the world to advance solutions to shift the food system so it can nourish people and the planet.”
-ENDS-
Read more reflections from COP28 on our blog post, “Reflections on COP28: A Breakthrough for Food System Transformation.”
