Development of Climate Finance and Climate-Adapted Agri-Food Systems – Global Issues
GENEVA, Dec 12 (IPS) – Frustration over the pace of climate action and the size of the financial targets agreed in Baku is justified from the perspective of low-income countries, especially Small Island Developing States (SIDS). It is also important to note that there has been real progress in some countries at the intersection of agri-food-nutrition-climate-water-nature-livehoods, and this seems to be happening especially in some countries in the Alliance of Champions for Food. Programmatic Change (ACF).
A solid floor that cannot be built on: But the result – a new global target of $1.3 trillion annually by 2035, from public, private and new sources, of which developed countries make $300 billion a year – is a real increase from the previous target of $100bn a year. It is a solid foundation on which to build. Is the price big enough? Will it be made available to those who need it soon enough? I won’t say yet. Securing a sustainable future for all requires kindness, engagement and continued cooperation. This is only possible if all stakeholders ensure transparent provision, effective delivery and efficient use of pledged funds. This will pave the way for greater loyalty among donors and a further increase in available resources.
Growing momentum at the agri-food-nutrition-climate + intersection: I have seen greater recognition that those who produce food are affected first, and worst, by climate change, and that the numbers of people at risk of food insecurity, hunger and malnutrition are increasing as women and children are particularly affected. Agri-food systems contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions while, at the same time, they have carbon emission potential. That makes them very special in climate discussions although – at the moment – it seems difficult to include them in discussions.
What is the basis for this? Interactions I have had with national food system advocates and climate focal points, over the past two years, suggest that several governments are looking for ways to reform food systems in ways that integrate their agricultural food systems with climate action. They do this in ways that reflect the ambitions of the COP28 UAE declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Sustainable Food Systems and Climate Action endorsed by 160 Heads of Government last year. Some countries have joined the Alliance of Champions for Food Systems Transformation. There is support available through various agencies in the UN system, the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub, the Technical Cooperation Collaborative, the COP29 Baku Harmoniya Climate Initiative for Farmers, and various parts of the wider ecosystem of support that is constantly being promoted by Climate Champions, regional organizations and more. A lot of effort has gone into planning and coordinating these efforts.
Young people: At COP29 there was a great participation of young people who were welcomed in an organized manner and actively participated in many events. With their consistent focus on inclusion, governance and accountability, their participation greatly increases the ambition and potential impact of various ongoing processes.
Desire to cooperate: COP29 was a large and complex event involving approximately 60,000 people from nearly 200 countries. I saw how the different groups present engaged in constructive ways and I appreciated the contributions of organizers, volunteers, participants of all ages (especially young people), governments, local authorities, farmers, lawyers, businesses, civil society, the media, and others. Despite their different views they engaged in constructive discussion, all working for a sustainable and just future. Food and agriculture work is progressing well and all those I met in Baku were doing their best to work together in harmony. Many were ambitious. Others are very frustrated because they fear for their future and feel that there is an underlying injustice. Not everyone agrees on what should be prioritized. However, in general, I feel a wonderful impulse that paves the way for strong action even when the international situation is very difficult.
Looking ahead: Climate change is a major and ongoing challenge with dire consequences for many millions of people. The task ahead is great and increasingly ambitious and innovative steps will be required. The journey ahead requires smartly chosen investments that encourage dynamic ways of working: these will be needed more than ever in the coming years. Moving forward with agility requires everyone to focus on maintaining communication, fostering dialogue, fostering respect, sharing energy and maintaining trust. Working in Baku showed me what’s possible, and I can’t wait for more. Our 4SD foundation will continue to contribute by focusing on sustaining cross-sector, multi-stakeholder and multi-stakeholder engagement through structured dialogue.
David NabarroStrategic Director of the 4SD Foundation, Geneva
IPS UN Bureau
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