In the face of global climate inaction, the United Nations Food Systems Envoy, Dr Agnes Kalibata, has spoken out on the urgent need for immediate action to address the growing crisis.
Speaking with Daphne Ewing-Chow, Senior Contributor Food, Agriculture, and Sustainability for Forbes, Kalibata highlighted the urgent need for a coordinated and sustained effort to address the impacts of climate change on global food systems. She stressed that food insecurity and hunger would continue to worsen without decisive action, particularly in developing countries.
“Climate change is already having a significant impact on global food systems, and we are running out of time to act,” Kalibata said. “The longer we wait, the more severe the consequences will be. We must unite as a global community to address this challenge head-on.”
Kalibata’s remarks come as the latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that the world is on track to surpass 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming within the next two decades, which will have devastating consequences for food security, biodiversity, and human well-being.
The report also highlights the need for immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve land use practices, and promote sustainable food production systems.
Kalibata emphasized that addressing climate change and its impacts on food systems requires a multifaceted approach that includes policy and institutional reforms, investment in sustainable agriculture, and innovative technologies.
“We need to prioritize developing and implementing policies that support sustainable food systems and promote climate-resilient agriculture,” she said. “We also need to invest in research and development to identify and scale up innovative technologies that can help us mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change.”
Kalibata called on governments, businesses, civil society organizations, and individuals to come together to address the urgent challenge of climate change and its impacts on global food systems.
“Climate change is a global problem that requires a global solution,” she said. “We must act now to protect our food systems and the millions of people who depend on them for their livelihoods and well-being.”