May 6, 2024
"Agrifood is a bigger contributor to climate change than many think. It generates almost a third of global greenhouse gas emissions, averaging around 16 gigatons annually. This is about one-sixth more than all of the world’s heat and electricity emissions."
According to the report titled "Recipe for a Livable Planet," the agrifood system has been identified as a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, with the potential to make a substantial impact on mitigating climate change. The report highlights the importance of addressing agrifood emissions to achieve a sustainable and livable planet.
"The payoffs for investing in cutting agrifood emissions are estimated to be much bigger than the costs. Annual investments will need to increase by 18 times to $260 billion a year to halve current agrifood emissions by 2030 and put the world on-track for net-zero emissions by 2050."
The report emphasizes the economic benefits of investing in reducing agrifood emissions, stating that the returns on investment could be as high as $4.3 trillion by 2030. This underscores the potential for significant gains in health, economic, and environmental aspects by taking action to cut emissions in the agrifood sector.
"Every country can harness priority opportunities to achieve net zero agrifood emissions while advancing development. Different countries have different pathways for doing so."
It is noted that every country has the opportunity to work towards achieving net zero agrifood emissions while advancing their developmental goals. The report suggests that countries can tailor their strategies based on their unique circumstances and priorities to effectively reduce emissions in the agrifood system.
"Actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the agrifood system will also have three key benefits: they will make food supplies more secure, help our food system better withstand climate change, and ensure that vulnerable people are not harmed by this transition."
Furthermore, the report highlights that efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the agrifood system will not only contribute to mitigating climate change but also enhance food security, build resilience in the food system against climate impacts, and protect vulnerable populations during this transition.
In conclusion, the "Recipe for a Livable Planet" report provides a comprehensive roadmap for achieving net zero emissions in the agrifood system, emphasizing the significant role of agriculture in addressing climate change and promoting a sustainable future for the planet.