COP30 Brazil — Focus on efficient food systems

At the United Nations Climate Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, world leaders and experts are placing unprecedented emphasis on the role of food systems in addressing climate change. According to FAO data, agriculture and food production account for roughly one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Delegates at the conference — marked by protests from indigenous groups demanding climate action and forest protection — agree that transforming how food is grown, consumed, and wasted is essential to achieving the 1.5°C climate goal.

Food waste is a significant global issue. Approximately 25-30% of all food produced worldwide—around 1.6 billion tons—is wasted each year, equating to one billion meals a day, according to the UN. In India alone, nearly 74 million tons of food are discarded annually, valued at ₹1.5 trillion (or Rs 1.52 lakh crore), as reported by UNEP (UN Environment Programme).

During the COP30 summit, over US$2.8 billion in donor commitments were pledged by various countries and organizations to help smallholder farmers adapt to increasingly erratic weather patterns. Brazil, the host nation, launched several flagship initiatives, including a ‘Climate-Resilient Social Protection and Smallholder Agriculture Finance Partnership’ aimed at supporting family farming, improving water access, and reducing hunger and poverty.

This US$2.8 billion commitment is distinct from other climate finance goals, such as the new target for developed nations to mobilize at least US$300 billion annually by 2035.

The Climate-Resilient Social Protection and Smallholder Agriculture Finance Partnership is designed to support climate adaptation in countries like Benin, Ethiopia, Kenya, Zambia, and the Dominican Republic. It coordinates donor support to build resilient farming systems and social safety nets, aiming to combat food insecurity and poverty exacerbated by climate change.

Additionally, Brazil and its partners introduced an open-source AI platform intended to help farmers adopt climate-smart practices. This tool, which aims to reach over 100 million farmers by 2028, utilizes predictive analytics to guide planting decisions and manage resources more efficiently.

The COP30 conference also adopted the Belém Declaration on Hunger, Poverty, and Human-Centered Climate Action, which was signed by 44 countries. The declaration highlights the connection between food security and climate resilience, marking a shift from emission-centric strategies toward more integrated, people-focused approaches.

COP30 pledges

However, experts warn that actual implementation of these pledges will be the true measure of success. While the “Plan to Accelerate Food Systems Transformation” was announced at COP30 to assist governments in implementing sustainable practices, analysts indicate that progress hinges on financing and equitable participation, particularly for smallholders and Indigenous communities.

Despite these efforts, challenges persist. Many national climate plans continue to overlook food consumption and waste reduction, and the global adaptation finance gap continues to grow. UN officials have cautioned that without urgent action, the world risks missing its climate targets, thereby jeopardizing sustainable food for future generations.

Experts argue that food packaging could play a crucial role in reducing food waste by protecting products and extending shelf life. However, packaging is also a significant source of environmental pollution, particularly due to single-use plastics. Therefore, balancing these impacts requires careful packaging design, improved waste management, and informed consumer choices.

India at COP30

India reaffirmed its commitment to climate action at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, with Ambassador Dinesh Bhatia emphasizing the country’s readiness to work with all nations toward an ambitious and equitable transition to sustainability. He noted that India has pursued a low-carbon development path over the past decade.

According to a PIB release, India also spoke on behalf of the BASIC (Brazil, South Africa, India, and China) and LMDC (Like-Minded Developing Countries) groups, underscoring the principles of equity, common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR-RC), and full implementation of the UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol, and Paris Agreement. India reiterated support for multilateral cooperation on climate change and commended Brazil’s efforts in organizing COP30.