WASHINGTON, May 6, 2024 – The global agrifood system has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by almost a third through accessible and cost-effective measures, all while ensuring food security for a growing population. This revelation comes from a new World Bank report titled "Recipe for a Livable Planet: Achieving Net Zero Emissions in the Agrifood System."
Axel van Trotsenburg, the World Bank Senior Managing Director, emphasized the impact of food production on climate change, stating, “While the food on your table may taste good, it is also a hefty slice of the climate change emissions pie.” He further highlighted that transforming the global food system could lead to healthier soils, ecosystems, and people, while effectively sequestering carbon in the ground.
The report underscores that alterations in how land is utilized for food production, particularly in middle-income countries, could result in a significant reduction of agrifood emissions by a third by 2030. It outlines a range of actions that countries can adopt to enhance food security, bolster the resilience of the food system to climate change, and safeguard vulnerable populations during this transition period.
Noteworthy solutions identified in the report include the role of high-income countries in supporting low- and middle-income nations in adopting low-emission farming practices and technologies. Middle-income countries are encouraged to focus on implementing greener practices, such as reducing emissions from livestock and rice, investing in healthy soils, and minimizing food loss and waste. Meanwhile, low-income countries are urged to pursue climate-smart opportunities for more sustainable and competitive economies, with a particular emphasis on preserving and restoring forests.
To achieve net zero emissions by 2050, the report suggests that annual investments need to increase to $260 billion, emphasizing that the benefits of reducing agrifood emissions far outweigh the costs. These investments are projected to yield over $4 trillion in benefits, ranging from improved human health and food security to enhanced job quality and profits for farmers, alongside increased carbon retention in forests and soils.
In conclusion, the report emphasizes the urgency of taking comprehensive actions across all countries to transition towards a more sustainable food system and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions in the agrifood sector.