This photo dump is at least 3 months too late, but hey, we went to COP28!
Last year, we had the opportunity to join the Plant Base Treaty at the COP28 climate conference to advocate for a swift transition towards a food system that is not only ecologically safe but also socially just.
In the months before the conference, we conducted a scientific literature study on the current state of the climate, evaluated the impact of the global food system against the planetary boundary framework and analysed the role the global food system can play in mitigation and adaptation efforts. Together with the rest of the PBT team, we presented the full ‘Safe and Just’ report at the COP28 conference – what an opportunity!
It was such a privilege to be surrounded by and connect with so many inspiring people from all around the world. Hopefully, we’ve made a real difference by bridging the gap between science and policy to make people aware of the pressing need to put food system transformation at the heart of our planetary crisis.
Why? Our food system is a heavy contributor to the planetary crises we face. Paradoxically, it’s also the first victim when the climate changes, water sources dry up, biodiversity declines and nutrients disappear from the soil, all leading to food insecurity and growing inequality. Here are three key research insights:
Current climate models make critical assumptions in their temperature trajectories, including continuous absorption of Earth’s natural carbon sinks, heavy reliance on current early-stage negative emission technologies and unproven carbon removal techniques, and that the global food system will “magically” transition from being a from carbon source to being a carbon sink (from +4 GtCO2 to -5 GtCO2) within the next 30 years.
The global food system stands as the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitting sector and is a leading driver of biodiversity loss, ecosystem degradation, excessive freshwater use, and waterway pollution from nitrogen and phosphorus overuse.
Food emissions alone are enough to put the 1.5°C and 2°C targets out of reach, risking triggering feedback loops, tipping points and potentially cascading effects.
COP28 was our absolute highlight last year! This year, we will continue to advocate for a safe and just food system transformation and focus on planetary education to provide everyone with essential common knowledge for the 21st century and beyond
