UN's Roadmap for Combating Global Hunger in a Changing Climate

The UN has emphasized the critical role of reforming global food systems to curb temperature increases, unveiling the initial phase of a roadmap aimed at sustaining food production while adhering to the 1.5C limit.

The vulnerability of food production to climate change is evident, with research indicating that up to a third of global food output could face risks due to rising temperatures. Agriculture and livestock contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, directly accounting for approximately one-tenth of global carbon output, and even more when considering habitat conversion for farming purposes.

Up until now, detailed strategies to meet the nutritional needs of an expanding population projected to reach 10 billion by 2050, while simultaneously achieving net-zero global greenhouse gas emissions, hadn't been outlined by the UN. This net-zero target is crucial in limiting temperature increases to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels.

Maximo Torero, the chief economist for the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), stressed the urgency of rebalancing global food systems to combat hunger and maintain a 1.5C trajectory. He highlighted disparities such as overconsumption of protein in some regions while others face protein deficiencies. Addressing these imbalances involves tailored approaches, including optimizing fertilizer use, intensifying livestock rearing in certain areas, and restoring degraded pasture land in others.

The roadmap's initial phase spans the next few years, with a document unveiled at Cop28 outlining 20 key targets to be achieved between 2025 and 2050. However, it lacks detailed methodologies for their accomplishment. Future iterations, set to be presented at subsequent Cop summits, will delve into these strategies.

The outlined targets encompass reducing livestock methane emissions by 25% by 2030, ensuring sustainable management of global fisheries, providing safe drinking water universally by 2030, halving food waste, and eliminating traditional biomass for cooking by 2030.

The plan doesn’t advocate for a meat tax but explores measures like taxing sugar, salt, and heavily processed foods, alongside improved food labeling. Torero called for increased climate finance for agriculture, which presently receives a mere 4% of such funding, emphasizing the need for more efficient land and resource utilization.

While the initial roadmap was praised for addressing extreme hunger and emphasizing a just transition, some experts believe it falls short. Emile Frison from IPES-Food urged for more transformative proposals, emphasizing diversification, shorter supply chains, agroecology, and addressing power imbalances in the food industry.

Others, like Ruth Davis from the European Climate Foundation, emphasized the crucial role of nature in ensuring food security, calling for stronger integration of nature protection and restoration goals into the FAO roadmap.

Claire McConnell from the International Institute for Sustainable Development urged broader stakeholder engagement, particularly involving smallholder farmers, women, and Indigenous peoples, to integrate their valuable knowledge and ensure the roadmap’s acceptance and implementation.

The need for comprehensive and inclusive approaches to tackle the challenges within our food systems remains paramount. While the initial roadmap sets a foundational framework, it's evident that a more robust, transformative strategy is necessary to address the multifaceted issues at hand.

One critical aspect is the recognition of the global food system's flaws, which contribute to environmental degradation and exacerbate societal inequalities. Embracing radical changes that prioritize diversification, shorter supply chains, and sustainable agricultural practices like agroecology is pivotal. These changes can not only mitigate the ecological impact but also help address issues of food insecurity and inequality.

Moreover, the roadmap should encompass strategies that challenge the dominance of a handful of powerful companies shaping our food choices. Reducing their control over what is grown and consumed can pave the way for a more equitable and sustainable food system.

Nature conservation and restoration must also take center stage. Incorporating targets to protect and restore natural habitats is crucial not only for biodiversity but also for securing our future food sources. The agreement to protect 30% of the planet for nature by 2030 should serve as a guiding principle in shaping the next phases of the roadmap.

Additionally, fostering inclusivity is key. Smallholder farmers, women, Indigenous communities, and other marginalized groups possess invaluable knowledge about local ecosystems and sustainable farming practices. Engaging with these communities not only acknowledges their expertise but also ensures that the roadmap aligns with diverse perspectives and garners broader support for its implementation.

The subsequent iterations of the roadmap need to bridge the gap between ambition and implementation by outlining actionable steps, innovative solutions, and policies that encourage a fundamental shift toward a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient food system. This calls for a collective effort involving governments, organizations, businesses, and communities worldwide to drive meaningful change.