Perspectives from COP26 on Addressing Climate Change Through Agriculture and Food Systems

By Erin Jackson

Attending COP26 in Glasgow as a member of the Tufts University delegation was a great privilege and learning experience. This year’s COP marked a critical point in the fight against climate change, as the opportunity to limit global warming to below the target threshold of 1.5°C continues to narrow despite promises made in the Paris Agreement in 2015. The conference came just two and a half months after the release of AR6, the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report on Climate Change, which gives grave warnings for climate catastrophe if we do not see “strong, rapid and sustained reductions” in greenhouse gas emissions. It is an understatement to say that the stakes were high, and I was excited to observe the international negotiations in action. 

Soon after arriving at the Scottish Event Campus, it became clear to me that between the formal and informal negotiations, plenary talks and side events at nearly 100 country and NGO pavilions, it would be impossible for me to attend more than a fraction of the discussions. I mapped out a schedule of events based on my research focus areas of soil science and agriculture, as well as food systems, which are responsible for one third of global greenhouse gas emissions. I wanted to hear perspectives from the global north and global south, from developed and developing countries, from women and men. I was curious to see who had a seat at the table, and whose voices were missing.

Throughout the week, I heard from a diverse set of speakers, including scientists, NGO representatives, food producers, policy makers, youth activists and industry leaders. Common themes that arose in these sessions included the need for collaboration across sectors, the need to put farmers at the center of conversations and the need for innovation. Many panelists emphasized—rightly so—that immediate action must be taken, as we are running out of time. How these individuals differed, however, was in their perspective on how to address climate change through agriculture and food systems.

One approach that really spoke to me was a panel highlighting the important role of soil in climate change mitigation. Conversations about nature-based solutions and carbon markets were ubiquitous at the conference, but the specific topic of soil—integral to these strategies—came up only intermittently. Joao Campari, Global Leader of Food Practice at WWF, pointed out that soil is the second largest ecosystem after the oceans and the most valuable asset class, and it should be treated as such.

I was most excited to hear from Dr. Rattan Lal, a world renowned soil scientist and the 2020 World Food Prize laureate, who provided an important reminder that every UN Sustainable Development Goal, from #1: No Poverty to #2: Zero Hunger to #3: Good Health and Well-being to #6: Clean Water and Sanitation to #13: Climate Action to #15: Life on Land, depends on healthy soil. I wonder why soil was not given a more central platform at COP26, but it was reassuring to hear about the many local to global initiatives and coalitions recognizing soil health as critical to climate action.

“Conversations about nature-based solutions and carbon markets were ubiquitous at the conference, but the specific topic of soil—integral to these strategies—came up only intermittently” 

Looking at agriculture from a technological perspective, I was interested in hearing from USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack about the Agriculture Innovation Mission (AIM) for Climate. This was the first I had heard about this initiative, and it excited me to learn that 31 countries and 48 NGOs are partners in this program. AIM is focused on transforming the global agricultural sector by supporting increased investment in innovation, collaboration and research for climate smart agriculture and food systems over the next five years. From my perspective as an observer, it seems like widescale collaborations like AIM have the potential to deliver huge outcomes for climate change mitigation and adaptation if the resources are directed to the communities and stakeholder groups that need them most.

I was curious to see how rural and smallholder farmers in developing countries were represented. The International Fund on Agricultural Development (IFAD), one of the NGO pavilion hosts, elevates the voices of these populations. I noticed that, in contrast to many of the other sessions I attended, IFAD made inclusivity and equity a centerpiece of their talks. In a panel titled “The Future of Food Systems: Game-changing Innovations for Inclusive Transformation,” moderator and FAO Natural Resources Officer Julia Wolf summarized the conversation well: “Unless we make it work for the farmers and the local communities, we won’t make a change in the food system.” Panelist Dr. Rachel Waterhouse, Team Leader in Natural Resources, Climate & Environment at the Department for International Development, pointed out that “innovation is not just about technology; for smallholder farmers, it’s about food security, income, economic development.” She spoke about the need for innovation in policies and finance to support farmers in transitioning to more sustainable practices.

Though conversations about agriculture are often dominated by men in the developed world, 70% of farmers globally are women. As such, climate justice cannot be reached without gender equality. Youth climate activist Vanessa Nakate spoke on a panel hosted at the NY Times Climate Hub, “How Can Educating Girls Be an Accelerator of Climate Action?” about the important societal role girls and women play in collecting and growing food in her country of Uganda. As climate change accelerates the frequency of extreme weather events that destroy crops and threaten food security, girls and women are becoming even more vulnerable. Vanessa shared that these challenges are exacerbated in some places because women and girls, and their lands, are exploited to mine the minerals used in electric vehicles, which ironically is itself a climate solution. The complexity of these issues and climate solutions became more and more apparent with each additional session I attended.

So far, these developing rural communities are not getting their fair share of assistance. According to IFAD, small scale farmers only receive 1.7% of climate finance. And of the $700 billion invested by governments yearly to support agricultural sectors, only 6% goes towards climate mitigation or adaptation outcomes and biodiversity conservation. I observed many sessions at which financial agreements were made, but I am left wondering if these funds will reach the highest need communities.

If the pledges made at COP26 are followed through on, however, I am hopeful that this will change. Related to agriculture, President Biden pledged $1 billion for the AIM initiative to support partners in developing countries. The Glasgow Leaders' Declaration on Forests and Land Use was signed onto by 120 countries to halt and reverse forest loss and deforestation by 2030. This pledge is backed by $12 million in public funds to protect and restore forests, many in developing countries, and $7.2 billion in private investment. As agriculture is one of the largest drivers of deforestation, this is a significant step. In addition, The Glasgow Climate Pact includes $40 billion annually for adaptation in developing countries.

It was impossible to miss the undercurrent of civil protest, led primarily by young women and indigenous peoples, demanding justice and action throughout the week. For example, at the end of a presentation on AIM, a group of protesters began chanting “agroecology is the solution,” elucidating the divide between those who believe in ecological versus technological solutions, and the even greater systemic issues of inequity and climate injustice in proposed solutions. From small protests to the city-wide protests of more than 100,000, this disconnect was clear.

I am grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in COP26 and witness the opportunities and challenges for addressing climate change. Every agreement that was made at COP26 is important, as every increment of warming matters. While it remains to be seen if our leaders will follow through on their promises, it was reassuring to see that climate change is being tackled at every scale, from local communities to global agreements, and across the public and private sectors. But as we move forward, I believe more than ever that there is an urgent need for more ambitious action, increased accountability and a greater commitment to inclusivity. COP26 deepened my understanding of the complex issues we face and will greatly inform my work in creating more resilient and equitable agricultural and food systems through science and policy. ∎

Erin Jackson is a graduate student at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University.

Read more about the Tufts COP26 delegation’s experience here.