The World Bank has released a compelling report highlighting that transforming global agricultural practices could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. According to the report published on Monday, the agrifood industry currently accounts for nearly one-third of all greenhouse gas emissions worldwide.
“To protect our planet, we need to transform the way we produce and consume food,” stated Axel van Trotsenburg, the Bank’s Senior Managing Director, emphasizing the urgent need for change.
Middle-income countries are at the forefront of this challenge, contributing to two-thirds of the agrifood emissions and occupying seven out of the top ten spots for greenhouse gas emitters globally. The report suggests these nations have a significant opportunity to mitigate climate change by adopting more sustainable farming methods.
Affordable and Accessible Solutions
The report outlines that the agrifood sector can achieve nearly a third of the required global emission reductions through “affordable and readily available actions.” Key recommendations include shifting to low-emission livestock practices and enhancing sustainable land use.
“Simply changing how middle-income countries use land, such as forests and ecosystems for food production, can cut agrifood emissions by a third by 2030,” van Trotsenburg added.
Redirecting Subsidies and International Support
To finance the transition to sustainable agriculture, the World Bank advocates for countries to reconsider and reduce inefficient agricultural subsidies. This reallocation of resources can support the adoption of greener farming techniques.
High-income countries, including the United States—a leading greenhouse gas emitter—are encouraged to provide technical assistance and adjust subsidies away from high-emission food sources. Such support is vital to facilitate global efforts in reducing agricultural emissions.
A Collaborative Global Effort
The report also advises low-income countries to proactively avoid investing in high-emission infrastructures that developed nations are beginning to replace. By learning from the experiences of others, these countries can leapfrog to more sustainable practices.
The World Bank’s findings underscore the critical role agriculture plays in climate change and the substantial impact that revamping farming practices can have on global emission reductions. With coordinated efforts and investment, the agrifood sector holds the key to a more sustainable future.
Reference(s):
Changing farming practices could cut one third of global emissions
cgtn.com
