Target: António Guterres, UN Secretary-General
Goal: Demand comprehensive action from high-emissions countries to integrate food systems into climate strategies and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The Food Systems NDC Scorecard, presented by Mercy For Animals during COP30, indicates alarming gaps in how various nations approach their climate strategies, particularly concerning food systems, which are responsible for one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions. Despite the potential for significant reductions in emissions and health co-benefits through a comprehensive approach, many high-emissions countries reportedly neglect critical areas such as dietary changes and food waste, thus undermining global climate efforts. This lack of action not only threatens global targets set by the Paris Agreement but also halts progress toward climate justice and equity.
Countries like Kenya and Switzerland stand out for their forward-thinking initiatives, effectively addressing climate-resilient food production and sustainable diets. In contrast, other nations’ failure to adopt similar strategies highlights a concerning disconnect between political will and action, limiting their climate ambitions during a decisive period for the planet. The scorecard’s findings suggest that without urgent changes and accountability measures, key solutions to mitigate climate change will remain virtually unutilized, exacerbating environmental and social crises.
Immediate action is essential to redirect focus and resources towards integrating food systems comprehensively into national climate agendas. This petition demands that high-emissions countries commit to ambitious policies that encompass food systems, ensuring a sustainable and equitable approach to climate action while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Secretary-General Guterres,
The recent release of the Food Systems NDC Scorecard by Mercy For Animals at COP30 reveals concerning deficiencies in the climate strategies of various nations, particularly high-emission countries. With food systems contributing to one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions, it is alarming that many countries continue to overlook critical components like diets, food loss, and waste in their climate strategies. This negligence not only threatens global climate goals but also endangers health and equity for vulnerable populations worldwide.
Countries like Kenya and Switzerland are leading the way by integrating climate-resilient food production strategies into their climate agendas. Unfortunately, the failure of several high-emission countries to follow suit indicates a significant missed opportunity to employ proven methods that could drastically reduce emissions while addressing urgent climate challenges. The results of the scorecard illustrate that comprehensively incorporating food systems is crucial for enhancing climate action and achieving the Paris Agreement targets.
Therefore, we urge you to push high-emission countries to adopt robust and comprehensive policies that prioritize food systems and promote sustainable practices. Together, we can drive meaningful change and ensure that all nations are held accountable in the fight against climate change.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Pixabay
