On the fringes of COP26, there was a lot of discussion about the need to tackle consumption – and food was at the heart of that debate. But food received much less traction in the main decision-making arena, as countries focused on other issues such as energy generation. Whilst this is understandable, we believe it was a missed opportunity to include food system transformation in the battle against climate change.
This gap still exists. Ahead of COP27, we highlighted tackling food loss and waste – one of the key levers in the shift to a sustainable food system – remains an underappreciated climate action strategy. It’s one that could be codified in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the action plans that countries use to indicate their priorities for tackling climate change.
There is room for optimism, though. For the first time, there is a Food Systems Pavilion at COP27 discussing approaches that can deliver sustainable change. It is where our delegation is supporting a number of events. This a welcome step forward, but we also need to see that momentum translate into concrete commitments for change.
Our global food system is creaking under the pressure of economic turbulence and the damaging effects of climate change. At the same time, the way we produce, consume and waste food is driving the climate emergency, and is a significant factor in biodiversity loss. The system is ripe for transformation, to one that is low carbon and low impact from farm to fork.
In the UK, we reflected this need for whole system change in the newest phase of the Courtauld journey by realigning all the targets to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This means a greater emphasis on the interconnection between tackling GHG emissions, reducing waste and protecting water resources, and their combined value in building a new sustainable food system.
With our Courtauld partners, we’ve already laid some important foundations: the development of the world’s first Scope 3 measuring and reporting protocols was hailed as a watershed moment in tackling supply chain emissions. And securing the commitment of 50-plus businesses to protect shared water resources through our Water Roadmap was another standout.
In another significant step, the WWF and Wrap have just announced the CEOs of five supermarkets – Co-op, Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose – will step up their work on tackling climate change, including working with Wrap through Courtauld 2030. This recognition of the need to speak with a collective voice to their shared supply chains is the kind of leadership we need.
We know measuring and acting on GHG emissions is not easy – and there isn’t time to waste, so consistency and clarity on targeted actions, as well as support on how to meaningfully measure and report progress, will really help unlock action. This will build on the work developed so far on Scope 3 protocols, and means there can be focus on collaboration in the areas with the biggest opportunity for change.
Whilst I remain hopeful, there are significant challenges ahead. What is reassuring is these issues are being discussed on the global stage. As a result of the discussions at COP27, I am hopeful more countries and businesses will prioritise work on food waste reduction and food system change.
The evidence is clear: this is key to tackling climate change. Now is the time to act together to build a food system that nourishes, sustains, and protects both people and planet.
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