A new report published by the World Bank has outlined actions every country can take to ensure a more secure and sustainable global food system that can withstand climate change. Countries will likely meet their climate goals in different ways, the report acknowledged, noting that a “menu of solutions” was needed. High-income countries can lead the way by providing low- and middle-income ones with more support when adopting low-emission farming methods and technologies, for example. In contrast, the World Bank called on low-income countries to avoid the mistakes made by their wealthier peers and capitalise on climate-smart opportunities to facilitate greener and more competitive economies. Investing in cutting agrifood emissions will also result in bigger payoffs, World Bank suggested, estimating that annual investments would need to increase to US$260 billion a year to halve agrifood emissions by 2030. Twice as much money is currently being spent on agricultural subsidies globally – many of which harm the environment, it said. “While the food on your table may taste good, it is also a hefty slice of the climate change emissions pie,” said Axel van Trotsenburg, World Bank Senior Managing Director. “The good news is that the global food system can heal the planet – making soils, ecosystems, and people healthier, while keeping carbon in the ground. This is within reach in our lifetimes, but countries must act now.”
