COP26 is going to be a critical meeting as the world’s leaders reconvene to discuss how to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
This is a particularly important moment for the Food and Ag industry since the sector is second only to Energy in terms of current emissions and the Food Transition is going to be under intense scrutiny from consumers and the public sector alike.
As the IPCC report released in August 2021 highlighted, unless there are immediate, rapid and large-scale reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, limiting warming to close to 1.5°C or even 2°C will be beyond reach. While this is a shared responsibility for all human beings, the current situation puts a specific responsibility on the industries that contribute most to global greenhouse gas emissions.
The Food and Ag industry needs to move from more food to better food. And it needs to do it faster than expected.
But the industry faces a multifaceted problem as it needs to produce quality food for a growing population and do it in a way that reduces its impact on climate change, protecting biodiversity, and supporting farmers’ livelihoods.
Considering these challenges, we need a “man on the moon” moment.
In 1961 John F. Kennedy announced the goal of landing a man on the Moon by the end of the decade. And, after only 8 years, in 1969 Neil Armstrong was the first person to walk on the moon.
This classic case shows that bold ambitions can mobilize and motivate human beings to achieve far-fetched goals.
And to reach the goal of limiting warming and creating a sustainable economic model for future generations, we will need collaborative efforts from all stakeholders to define bolder ambitions and achieve them.
In the past 12 months we have seen unprecedented efforts by the Food and Ag sector and the initiatives taken by clients and partners make us believe that the industry can indeed collaborate towards bolder ambitions and move the Food Transition from a threat to the most promising opportunity since the green revolution.
The Food Transition is not going to be easy, but it is going to be rewarding.
The industry can create new businesses that will stop de-forestation while creating alternative economic models for cropland; it can accelerate adoption of regenerative farming practices while improving yields and protecting farmers’ livelihoods; and it can de-carbonize the supply-chain while reducing waste.
And, just as importantly, it can fast-track the development of innovative, healthier and more efficient foods that delight consumers while feeding the the world’s growing population.
Yes, it is an amazing opportunity. And yes, it is going to be hard.
That said it is an achievement to which all involved in the industry can contribute. We are proud to work with clients and partners to reach these common objectives.
COP26 and the following months will show if the world, and the industry, is truly able to seize the “man on the moon moment” and the words of JFK in face of that challenge are very current:
“We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too.”
We need a similar rallying ambition from the Food and Ag sector. This is about leadership, boldness of vision and a relentless focus on executing the mission.