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Summary of COP28 – Day 6: Key Developments in Food and Climate
Key Highlights:
COP28 President’s Clarification: Sultan Al Jaber clarified his earlier comments about fossil fuel science, stating that he has always centered his actions around science. This follows his previous remarks that were interpreted as dismissing the need for a phase-out of fossil fuels to limit global warming to 1.5C.
Food Companies Addressing Dairy Methane Emissions: Six major food companies – Bel Group, Danone, General Mills, Kraft Heinz, Lactalis USA, and Nestlé – have partnered with the Environmental Defense Fund to form the Dairy Methane Action Alliance. This initiative aims to help dairy farmers reduce methane emissions and make farming more sustainable.
US Plan to Slash Methane Pollution: The Biden administration announced a plan to cut methane pollution from the oil and natural gas sector by 80% compared to a future without new regulations. This includes a $10 million grant for enteric methane reductions, mostly aimed at food additives for livestock.
Biden’s Regulatory Tool for Climate Policies: The Biden government is using the social cost of carbon as a policy tool to decrease greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors. The social cost of carbon has increased significantly, giving policymakers more authority to tackle climate change.
Global Executives Advocate for Carbon Pricing: Leaders from key international organizations have called for carbon pricing to achieve climate objectives and raise new revenues. This approach involves polluters paying for their emissions, either through a tax or an emissions trading scheme.
Brazil’s Proposal for Tropical Forest Preservation Fund: Brazil proposed a $250 billion fund to conserve Tropical Forests Forever, aimed at providing money to tropical countries that achieve thresholds for limiting deforestation.
Record Number of Fossil Fuel Lobbyists at COP28: Analysis revealed that over 2,456 fossil fuel lobbyists attended COP28, four times higher than any previous COP. This is more than the entire delegations of all countries except Brazil and the UAE.
Fossil Fuel Emissions at All-Time High: Global carbon emissions from fossil fuels reached record highs again this year, with projected warming rates not improving over the last two years.
Vegan Doughnut Economics Approach to Food System: The Plant-Based Treaty released a report advocating for a vegan doughnut economics framework for food system transformation, addressing various environmental challenges.
Leve Global’s Comments on Day 6
We view the developments of COP28 Day 6 through critical lens, especially in light of the ongoing discussions and actions related to climate change and environmental sustainability.
The clarification from COP28 President Sultan Al Jaber regarding his stance on fossil fuel science and the need for a phase-out is a pivotal moment in the climate dialogue. However, for the most vulnerable nations such as Small Islands Developing States (SIDS), such clarifications and debates often seem like a diversion from the urgent action required to address the immediate threats posed by climate change. The Caribbean region, for instance, is already experiencing the devastating impacts of climate change, and any ambiguity or delay in global commitments to reduce reliance on fossil fuels directly exacerbates the region’s vulnerability.
The formation of the Dairy Methane Action Alliance by major food companies is a positive step towards sustainability. However, for developing and vulnerable economies, the focus should also be on supporting local and regional sustainable agricultural practices, which are crucial for food security and economic stability in the face of climate change.
The US plan to slash methane pollution and the global call for carbon pricing are important initiatives, but their impact on SIDS needs to be carefully considered. While these measures are essential for global climate mitigation, it is crucial to ensure that they do not inadvertently place additional economic burdens on SIDS, which are already struggling with the impacts of climate change.
In conclusion, as Leve Global, we urge the world leaders to ensure that the needs and voices of the sensitive and vulnerable economies of SIDS are not only heard but actively prioritized in climate action plans. The Caribbean and other SIDS require immediate and concrete actions that go beyond discussions and pledges. We need a global commitment that aligns with the immediate and long-term survival and sustainability of our communities.
What are your thoughts on Day 6? Please leave your comments below.
Read our summary on Day 7 here.
Check out our summaries on other days:
Day 8 (Coming Soon)
Day 9 (Coming Soon)
Day 10 (Coming Soon)
Day 11 (Coming Soon)
Day 12 (Coming Soon)
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About the Author:
Kevon Wilson
Senior Analyst
Leve Global
Kevon Wilson, is a premier researcher and strategist. He has more than 16 years’ experience in research and digital marketing.
He is co-author of many of Leve Global’s research publications such as Big Data – Delivering the Big Picture to Drive Competitiveness, Everything You Need to Know About Internet Marketing, and The Top Ten Emerging Markets.
