COP30 advances the climate agenda, but keeps food systems and protein diversification out of the center of decisions.
The formal results of COP30, compiled in the Belém Package and the so-called Global Task Force Decision, reinforced important commitments in climate finance, adaptation, and forest preservation. However, despite the growing relevance of food systems to the global climate agenda, the topic remains underrepresented in decision-making documents. While official negotiations focus on energy, transparency, and financial flows, the transformation of food production systems, responsible for a third of global emissions and deeply linked to food security, public health, and conservation, has only appeared indirectly. Food systems and the diversification of protein sources were not included in the final text of the Mutirão or the Global Goal on Adaptation. On the other hand, the COP30 Presidency explicitly acknowledged, in its action agenda, that transforming agriculture and food systems is essential to accelerating the implementation of the Paris Agreement. The focus area includes land restoration, sustainable agriculture, and building more resilient and equitable food systems. 4th Letter from the Presidency on COP30 Among the many documents surrounding COP30, the so-called "4th letter" from the Presidency (COP30 4th Letter: Action Agenda / Mutirão) reveals the political ambition that Brazil sought to instill in the meeting. There, the COP Presidency outlines six major axes of global mobilization, and one of them assumes a strategic role: Transforming Agriculture and Food Systems. In this context, the letter describes three fronts that, together, form a roadmap for the sector's future: land restoration and sustainable agriculture, building more resilient and adaptive food systems, and ensuring equitable access to adequate and quality food. This is a recognition that the transformation of food systems is not only necessary, but central to addressing the climate crisis, reducing inequalities, and ensuring food security for millions of people. The fact that we have, for the first time in an official document from the COP30 Presidency, a direct reference to food systems and sustainable food systems is significant. This inclusion places agriculture and food within the larger narrative of the Global Task Force, which is the planetary mobilization effort proposed by Brazil to promote the swift and fair implementation of the Paris Agreement. But it is important to emphasize that this letter is a piece of political guidance, a signaling of priorities. It does not have the legal or negotiated weight of formal COP decisions, such as the Global Task Force or the Global Adaptation Target. Nevertheless, its symbolic and strategic power is undeniable. It shows where the Presidency sees potential for transformation and indicates paths that, even outside the final text approved by the countries, can influence national agendas, civil society movements, and expectations for the next rounds of negotiation. In other words, the letter doesn't decide, but it points the way. And the fact that it directly points to the need to transform the way we produce, distribute, and consume food is, in itself, a step forward in the global debate on climate and food systems. This contrast reveals a persistent challenge: the climate emergency has already pushed clean energy and climate finance to the center of the multilateral process, but systemic change in how we produce and consume food has not yet migrated from the side agenda to the heart of negotiated decisions. For the global transition to be truly compatible with the goal of limiting warming to 1,5°C, it is essential that food systems, including alternative proteins, cease to be treated as a secondary issue and begin to occupy the strategic space they deserve. COP30 showed that there is sufficient political will and scientific evidence. The next step is to transform this vision into formal, clear, and measurable commitments capable of mobilizing investments and guiding public policies. Without this, the world will continue to ignore one of the most powerful levers for tackling the climate crisis. Key achievements, main gaps and criticisms, GFI at COP30. Throughout the two weeks of the event, one message became clear: investment plays a decisive role in transforming the agri-food system and diversifying protein sources. GFI was one of the organizations that brought this debate to the forefront of discussions. Check out the main highlights below. November 12th: Dinner with negotiators. GFI Brazil participated in organizing the traditional plant-based dinner for agricultural negotiators (with 38 delegates), presenting an alternative protein product developed with Embrapa technology, supported by the GFI grant program. This dinner served to demonstrate GFI Brazil's narrative on innovation in the Global South, promoting solutions made with native ingredients (cashew fiber). November 13th: Aligning Agriculture Finance and Fiscal Measures with Climate and Nature Goals. The event brought together policymakers, investors, and civil society organizations to discuss how financial and fiscal instruments can drive a global transformation of food systems aligned with climate and nature. Our public policy analyst, Mariana Bernal, participated in the panel along with Megan Waters and Changtong Huang (FAIRR), Prof. Shenggen Fan (China Agricultural University), Hongyu GUO (Greenovation Hub), Jeroom Remmers (TAPP Coalition), Rune-Christoffer Dragsdahl, Leonardo Gava Mataram (International Vegetarian Union) and Virginia Antonioli (WRI Brasil). Mariana comments that during the panel there was a consensus on the need for investments in agri-food solutions to be made from multiple sources. "Blended finances help stimulate investment in agri-food solutions, which are still considered risky innovations, especially for the private sector and rural producers." The GFI analyst also drew attention to public policies and fiscal measures that can help democratize access to alternative proteins. "Alternative proteins still face market resistance and price challenges that deter consumers." Fiscal measures can help the entire food production chain enter this market and offer quality products at a fair price for consumers. Key highlights: Protein diversification offers companies heavily reliant on animal protein the opportunity to protect their ingredient supply chains while simultaneously building
All climate plans must consider the food sector. Learn what different sectors can do to contribute.
When we think about climate change, our focus tends to be on energy, transportation, and deforestation. However, the agri-food system, especially meat production, is equally crucial and often remains on the sidelines of major strategies. Today, it is responsible for ⅓ of global greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss, and pressure on water resources and arable land. The good news is that there is already a path capable of transforming this scenario: alternative proteins. Developed from plants, through fermentation or cell culture, these technologies offer not only a more sustainable way to produce protein, but also a powerful tool for aligning food security, public health, and climate goals. Reports from the World Bank and the University of Chicago show that alternative proteins can prevent up to 6,1 gigatons of CO₂ equivalent per year—the equivalent of reforesting six times the area of the state of Amazonas—in addition to contributing to the fight against malnutrition and reducing food prices. In other words, no climate plan will be complete without considering this sector. For this to happen, it is essential that different strategic actors incorporate alternative proteins into their plans, investments, and public policies. Below, we explore the role of five key sectors in this process: Academia, the Private Sector, Governments, Philanthropy, Banks, and Multilateral Institutions. Academia: science and innovation at the service of the climate The role of universities and research centers is irreplaceable. They are the ones who produce knowledge, train professionals and provide the scientific basis for effective public policies. By investing in alternative proteins, the Academy strengthens scientific leadership in life sciences, engineering and technology, social sciences, and policy. This means training researchers and professionals capable of sustaining the growth of this new sector, in addition to generating evidence on food security, nutrition, consumption and socio-environmental impact. Integrating protein diversification into research and teaching agendas—whether in research lines, graduate programs, or innovation hubs—is essential to transforming potential into real impact. Private Sector: Innovation, Scale, and New Markets Food and technology companies are the key levers for bringing these innovations to market. By investing in alternative proteins, the industry not only diversifies its portfolio but also responds to a growing demand for more sustainable products aligned with climate and health concerns. For business leaders, this is a strategic opportunity: to reduce risks related to dependence on vulnerable supply chains, innovate in high-value-added products, and win over consumers who are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their choices. Banks and Multilateral Institutions: Channeling Capital for Climate Solutions No transition happens without finance. Development banks, investment funds, and multilateral institutions have a crucial role to play in including alternative proteins in their climate finance portfolios. Today, billions of dollars are being invested in renewable energy and sustainable mobility. But if the food sector accounts for almost a third of global emissions, why not also direct resources toward innovations that can radically transform this equation? Incorporating alternative proteins into green financing plans means aligning investment with real impact, accelerating the decarbonization of the sector. Governments: public policies and national climate plans (NDCs) Without public policies, innovation does not scale and does not benefit all of society equally. Governments need to officially recognize alternative proteins as climate solutions and include them in their National Climate Action Plans (NDCs). This ranges from creating clear, science-based regulations to offering tax incentives, research support, and industry development programs. By adopting measures like these, countries not only reduce their emissions, but also generate quality jobs, strengthen food security, and position themselves as leaders in sustainable innovation. Philanthropy: Catalyzing Impact and Reducing Risk Philanthropic capital has the power to break new ground where risk still keeps private investors away. By funding research, awareness campaigns, and pilot programs, philanthropy reduces uncertainty and accelerates the entry of new technologies into the market. More than ever, it's time for foundations and strategic donors to support the development of alternative proteins as part of their climate agenda. The returns are multiple: in addition to reducing emissions, these initiatives contribute to fairer, more accessible, and more resilient food systems. From promise to action The climate challenge is so great that no single solution will be enough. We need a robust set of strategies—and alternative proteins must be at the center of that agenda. Integrating them into climate plans and financing is not just a visionary option: it is an urgent necessity. The next decade will be decisive for climate and global food security. It is up to all of us—governments, businesses, universities, banks, multilateral organizations, and civil society—to ensure that the food transition is fully included in the climate transition. If you are part of one of these sectors and want to know how you can contribute, please contact us. See in detail what each of the actors mentioned in the article can do to contribute to and benefit from the inclusion of alternative proteins in their climate plans.
The world needs alternative (proteins): food transition as a climate mitigation and adaptation strategy at COP 30
Alternative proteins reduce emissions, strengthen food security, and boost the economy, making them essential to the COP30 climate agenda.
There is no climate future without a resilient food system: what did we learn in Bonn, in the warm-up for COP 30?
In June, the city of Bonn, Germany, hosted the 62nd session of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (SB62), a kind of “diplomatic rehearsal” that precedes the thirtieth Conference of the Parties (COP) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), scheduled for November, in Belém (PA). Represented by Mariana Bernal, senior public policy analyst, The Good Food Institute Brazil was present as one of the UNFCCC observers. Check out the main highlights. Bonn 2025: Behind the Scenes of the Negotiation Processes GFI Brazil continued its work within the Sharm el-Sheikh Joint Work on Agriculture (SSJWA), where it had already contributed, in partnership with allied animal rights organizations, with joint submissions for plant-based food policies. But what is SSJWA? This four-year initiative – established in 2022 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt (during COP 27) – is dedicated to implementing climate action in the agricultural and food security sector. During COP29, in Azerbaijan, the associated entities presented an online portal to showcase these actions. Member countries and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), such as GFI, were invited to participate. In Bonn, in turn, the SSJWA's focus was on systemic and holistic approaches to implementing climate action in agriculture, food systems and food security, as well as understanding, cooperation and integration into plans. For SB64, scheduled for June 2026, the group's second workshop will be on access to means of implementation for climate action in agriculture and food security, including sharing best practices. In the day-to-day activities of countries, this includes topics such as: Finance and technology; Sustainable approaches (agroecology, climate-smart agriculture, regenerative practices, etc.); Integration into national frameworks (NDCs, NAPs, TNAs, etc.); Capacity building and access to finance; Coordination between UNFCCC agencies and funds; Risk management, including early warning systems; Food system sustainability linked to mitigation. It is worth highlighting that working with SSJWA is essential for the future of alternative proteins globally. During the workshop, GFI Brazil engaged with agriculture negotiators and supported a drafting process that truly considered the food system as a whole – including the advancement of alternative proteins as a fundamental climate strategy. “This perspective represents progress in the UNFCCC discussions. Instead of just addressing isolated sectors, we seek to integrate areas such as agriculture, energy, transportation, and industry, as well as all stages of the food chain — from planting and processing to manufacturing, storage, marketing, and consumption.” Mariana Bernal, Senior Public Policy Analyst at GFI Brazil. The Bonn event was also marked by discussions on the Global Goal on Adaptation, in which GFI worked with groups of negotiators to keep indicators related to food systems on the radar — even though the final text remained without consensus. Furthermore, the 4th COP 30 Presidency Letter was published during SB62, supported by a Presidency briefing on the Action Agenda and a logistical briefing during the sessions. Agriculture and food systems were included in item 3 of the official agenda, featuring the following subtopics: land restoration and sustainable agriculture, more resilient, adaptable and sustainable food systems, and equitable access to adequate food and nutrition for all. Conference co-produced by GFI Brazil On the second day of the event, in partnership with Proveg and PAN International, GFI Brazil co-organized the conference Future proofing food: Is protein diversification the key to healthier and sustainable food policies? (in free translation, “Future-proofing food: is protein diversification the key to healthier and more sustainable food policies?”). Despite UFCCC having less space in the program dedicated to parallel conferences, Future Proofing Food brought together representatives from EIT Food, the Danish Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, and Proveg, as well as 30 participants in the audience (including representatives from the United Nations Foundation and the UN Framework Convention itself). In the presentation, we highlighted the importance of the text Plant-based meat and ultra-processed foods: what health professionals need to know, prepared by GFI Europe and PAN International. We also emphasize the challenges and opportunities to expand the adoption of alternative proteins in Brazil, in a context of healthier and more sustainable food policies. Side Event Future proofing food: Is protein diversification the key to healthier and sustainable food policies? (Bonn, 2025). Pathways to the COP and the Belém Declaration for Plant-Rich Diets Finally, together with several organizations working in the sector – ProVeg International and Plant Based Canada are some of these names – GFI Brazil signed the Belém Declaration for Plant-Rich Diets. The letter is divided into 5 essential points: 1) Mitigation of the climate crisis; 2) Public health benefits; 3) Protection of biodiversity; 4) Food security and resilience; and 5) Economic benefits. She also draws governments' attention to the fact that traditional diets in the Global South are rich in fiber-rich, plant-based foods, and calls for direct action to help promote healthier, more climate-resilient food systems. “With the next COP taking place in Brazil, we have the opportunity to lead the global debate on climate-resilient food systems. The Belém Declaration is a clear call for governments to present concrete commitments and plans by 2027,” emphasizes Bernal. This statement takes on even greater urgency when considering that food systems generate about a third (34%) of the world's greenhouse gas emissions and represent 74% of Brazil's total emissions. In this context, alternative proteins have the real capacity for climate adaptation, potentially saving 12% of the world's agricultural land and curbing deforestation. Here's an excerpt: "In view of the upcoming Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC in Brazil, we call upon UN Member States to: Establish National Action Plans for Food-Based Diets
COP 29: reflections and the road to Belém
As expected by most countries and organizations, COP 29, although very well organized, did not bring significant advances to the climate agenda. Despite this, the event reinforced the importance of continuing to work together and highlighted that global attention is now focused on COP 30, which will take place in 2025, in Belém. More than a pause, this break represents an opportunity: we have a year to work hard, strengthen alliances and ensure that necessary solutions, such as alternative proteins, gain the prominence they deserve. Even though the results of COP 29 fell short of expectations, the strengthening of the global community focused on food and climate is a step forward that cannot be ignored. Today, we are more aligned and prepared to move forward with this conversation, both at the COP and in other strategic spaces. This collective strength will be essential to ensure that, in Belém, the focus is on the urgency of transforming food systems and redirecting resources towards solutions with the greatest possible positive impact. Progress and challenges of COP 29 The main result of this edition was the agreement to allocate US$300 billion annually to climate finance by 2030. Although far from the US$1,3 trillion initially demanded by countries in the Global South, the figure represents an important direction. The final text, however, mentions food only once, stressing that mitigation and adaptation measures to be implemented must not put food production at risk, but fails to provide details on how funding will be directed towards sustainable food systems. Furthermore, rural producers and small farmers, considered vulnerable groups, were not mentioned in the final document, which was criticized by civil society. Next year, the debate will focus on the so-called “Road from Baku to Bethlehem”, with the challenge of transforming the annual US$300 billion into a total of US$1,3 trillion. This scaling will require diversifying financing sources, mobilizing not only public resources, but also private investments, international partnerships and innovative mechanisms. This integrated approach will be essential to ensure that climate solutions are robust and effective. GFI Brazil is committed to presenting projects that demonstrate the positive impact of alternative food systems, especially in economies of the Global South. We will build on lessons learned from previous COPs to propose practical solutions and expand opportunities for climate finance. Another highlight of this edition was the Declaration on Methane, which generated controversy by focusing exclusively on emissions from organic waste, responsible for around 18% of global methane emissions, while completely ignoring livestock, which contributes approximately 40%. More than 30 countries have committed to including targets for reducing methane from organic waste in their future NDCs, but this approach reflects a resistance to directly addressing the environmental impact of animal product production – and reinforces the need for organizations like GFI to step up the debate on scalable solutions in the food industry. Additionally, the Sharm el-Sheikh Joint Work on Agriculture (SSJWA) has launched an online portal for sharing projects related to agriculture and food security, with the potential to attract investment and facilitate the scaling up of climate initiatives in agriculture. This tool, under development since COP 27, seeks to integrate a broader and more inclusive approach to food systems, which encompasses multiple sectors of the economy and all links in the food production and consumption chain. GFI Brazil will continue to work alongside negotiators and partners to present successful projects and seek resources that expand the impact of initiatives aligned with this agenda. This work is essential to ensure that food systems are prioritized in future climate discussions, especially in the “Road from Baku to Belém” that will unfold until COP 30 in Brazil. Finally, the Baku Harmoniya Climate Initiative for Farmers was launched, which seeks to harmonize existing programs and integrate farmers, especially women and rural communities, into food-related climate actions. Although the proposal is very promising for building inclusive and sustainable climate solutions, its operationalization still needs to be detailed, and we will closely monitor its developments. Opportunities in the Brazilian NDC During COP 29, Brazil, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates presented updates of their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). In the case of Brazil, the NDC review is associated with the Climate Plan and its sectoral plans, scheduled for completion by March 2025. There is a growing expectation that the final versions will be more inclusive and ambitious. GFI Brazil sees this review as a crucial opportunity to integrate policies that encourage sustainable food production, especially proteins for human consumption, as part of a food strategy more aligned with climate challenges. Incorporating specific targets for food systems will be essential to position Brazil as a leader in sustainable solutions, contributing significantly to the mitigation of global emissions. A positive path for Belém The greatest legacy of COP 29 is not in the final texts or the commitments made, but in the strengthening of a more united global food and climate community determined to face climate challenges. This alignment will be essential to ensure that, at COP 30, food systems are at the center of discussions. Throughout COPs 27, 28 and 29, GFI Brazil collaborated with several partners to consolidate the food systems agenda at the center of climate negotiations. The next challenge is to transform this connection into concrete climate actions, presenting robust projects that demonstrate the positive impact of new ways of producing proteins as a viable, scalable and strategic solution in the fight against climate change. COP 30 will be a unique opportunity to advance this agenda. With strategic planning, resource mobilization, and strengthened partnerships, we are confident that Belém has the potential to generate structural changes in the global climate agenda. Belém awaits us, and with it, the chance to transform the potential of alternative proteins into concrete and lasting solutions for a more sustainable future.
NYC Climate Week: Impact of food systems takes center stage at COP prep event
With a focus on “plant-rich” diets, the 2024 edition reinforces the urgency of integrating food into global climate strategies. New York Climate Week, held annually in September, parallel to the UN General Assembly, brings together leaders from governments, companies, academics, NGOs and civil society representatives to discuss climate solutions. The 2024 edition, which took place between September 22nd and 29th, featured for the first time a day entirely dedicated to discussions about diets with fewer animal products, called “Food Day”. Held on the second day of the conference, the event brought together more than a thousand participants to discuss the relationship between food systems and climate change, with panels led by representatives of organizations such as the Brazilian Vegetarian Society, PAN and the Humane Society. The central approach of Food Day was the concept of “plant-rich diet”, which can be translated as “diet rich in vegetables”, suggesting that foods of plant origin be prioritized in the composition of the diet. This perspective seeks to promote sustainable food choices in an inclusive and comprehensive way, avoiding restrictive labels and contemplating a greater diversity of diets. Climate Week has established itself as a preparatory event for the COP and serves as a platform to review sustainability goals and align efforts, preparing the ground for the formal commitments that will be discussed at the United Nations Climate Change Conference. Many of the issues discussed this week, such as decarbonization, climate finance and food systems, are the same ones that will guide negotiations at the COP, making this meeting a valuable opportunity to assess global progress and set the tone for future climate action. GFI was actively present at Climate Week, with representatives from around the world participating in panels and co-hosting events to reinforce alternative proteins as the viable climate solution they have proven to be. Recently, the study “Recipe for a Livable Planet”, published by the World Bank, positioned these foods as one of the most promising strategies for mitigating climate change: when analyzing 26 interventions in the agri-food sector, the publication concluded that alternative proteins occupy the second position in terms of potential for reducing emissions, behind only reforestation, with the capacity to reduce up to 6,1 billion tons of CO2 annually – which is equivalent to taking approximately 1,3 billion cars off the road globally during the same period. However, despite food systems contributing 33% of global emissions, they still receive only 3% of climate investment, 22 times less than that received by the energy and transport sectors, for example. Therefore, one of the focuses of Climate Week was the inclusion of food systems in global climate strategies, such as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). They are the commitments that each country establishes autonomously to achieve the targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as stipulated in the Paris Agreement. These commitments reflect each nation's goals and strategies to combat climate change and are reviewed periodically. At COP 28, a major step forward was the inclusion of food systems and agriculture in the Global Stocktake, a report reviewed every five years that assesses global progress towards the goals of the Paris Agreement. For the first time, the need to increase sustainable food production and strengthen the resilience of food systems was mentioned. Although these mentions are still timid, they paved the way for the topic to be addressed more robustly in future COPs and other international instruments. GFI Brazil's public policy team has been working to integrate food systems into national NDCs, promoting alignment between the agri-food sector and the country's climate goals. And, with COP 30 scheduled to take place in 2025 in Belém (PA), the expectation is that Brazil can assume a leadership role in this agenda, including food systems in the NDCs and forming coalitions between governments, companies and civil society organizations to accelerate a sustainable food transition. Food Day also saw the launch of Tilt Collective, a global initiative that works with research, project funding and strategic communication to address the impacts of intensive agriculture and accelerate the transition to diets that prioritize plant-based foods. In the panel, Zenia Stampe, Danish MEP and leader of the parliament's agriculture committee, presented the new legislation being passed in the country that introduces taxes on meat production. She said a third of Denmark's emissions come from agriculture – in line with global figures – and the farmers' association supported the government's programme to increase the focus on plant-based production rather than livestock. Stampe explained that rural producers receive public funding to produce more vegetables and that, in this process, they have stopped suffering from several recurring problems linked to animal husbandry. Gus Guadagnini, president of GFI Brazil, was present at the debate and highlighted that this is an important lesson for our country: “the modernization of agricultural practices can bring direct benefits to rural producers, as long as there is an investment committed to social issues and a fair transition for plant production. To transform food systems, it is essential to empower and provide the necessary resources to farmers, allowing them to be protagonists of this change. This becomes even more crucial in Brazil, where the cattle herd reached a historic record, with more than 238 million head of cattle in 2023, showing that we urgently need to balance our production practices with the growing global demand for more sustainable food.” The president of GFI Brazil also reinforces that the path to a sustainable future inevitably involves transforming how we produce and consume our food: “the food systems agenda only began to be debated in 2022, at the COP in Egypt. Since then, it has been gaining more focus, commitment from countries, engagement from the international community, funding sources for the sector, and even days.
Brazil is racing to try to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lessen the impact of climate change on the country
World Bank report selects alternative proteins with revolutionary potential in mitigating changes, second only to reforestation. A document prepared by the Ministry of Development, Industry, Commerce and Services (MDIC), together with the National Confederation of Industry (CNI) and industrial sectors, must be presented by November 2024 to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, responsible for the National Climate Change Plan. The objective is to create guidelines that will serve for the implementation, while maintaining competitiveness, of industrial production with a proportional reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Under the Paris Agreement, Brazil's goal is to reduce GHG emissions by 37% by 2025 compared to 2005 levels. By 2030, the reduction will need to be 43% below 2005 levels. To this end, the country has committed to increasing the share of sustainable bioenergy in the energy matrix to around 18% by 2030 and reforesting 12 million hectares of forests. To date, Brazil has faced significant challenges regarding deforestation and environmental policies, which have negatively impacted its emissions reduction targets. However, the country also has great potential for renewable energy sources, such as hydroelectric, wind and solar power, which can contribute significantly to reducing emissions. Additionally, as a growing trend among Brazilian consumers to seek healthier and more sustainable food options, Brazilian startups and large food companies are investing in research and development of plant-based products and cultivated meat. According to a World Bank report released last year, the sector represents revolutionary potential in mitigating climate change. Analyzing 26 promising interventions in the agri-food sector, the study "Recipe for a livable Planet" concludes that these foods occupy the second position in terms of emissions reduction potential, behind only reforestation. Food production, especially of animal origin, is responsible for about one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions. According to the World Bank, alternative proteins could reduce emissions by up to 6,1 billion tons of CO2 per year. “Moving from current diets to a diet that excludes animal products could reduce GHG emissions by 49%,” the report states. Furthermore, it would also reduce land use by 76%, which would directly benefit reforestation and deforestation reduction strategies. Climate investment should focus resources on food systems To accelerate this process of development and adoption of innovative technologies, says the president of The Good Food Institute Brazil, Gus Guadagnini, government investments are necessary. “Food systems receive just 3% of climate investment, while contributing 33% of greenhouse gas emissions. This amount is 22 times lower than that received by the energy and transport sectors, for example. With the right support, alternative proteins can become a powerful tool in the fight against climate change and building a more sustainable future,” comments the GFI President. According to the report “Global Innovation Needs Assessment: Food System Methane”, for the development of the alternative protein sector to occur and generate environmental and global health benefits, $10,1 billion in annual investment is needed, with $4,4 billion for research and development and $5,7 billion for private sector incentives. The University of Chicago’s Innovation Commission: Climate Change, Food Security, Agriculture, led by Nobel laureate Michael Kremer, concluded that alternative proteins could: 1) contribute to food security by reducing food prices; 2) reduce direct climate emissions; 3) alleviate malnutrition; and 4) provide a more climate-adaptable way to produce protein. For the working group that is preparing the MDIC report with the CNI, a different look at the alternative proteins sector, with significant investments in science and technology, is more than necessary, says Guadagnini, it is urgent.
GFI Brazil advocates financing for alternative proteins at the Climate Change Conference in Bonn, Germany
Between June 3 and 13, The Good Food Institute participated in the Climate Change Conference in Bonn (SB 60), an event that addresses the main issues that will be the focus of COP 29, which will take place at the end of the year in Baku, Azerbaijan. With a focus on the scientific and technical aspects of climate negotiations and the implementation of climate agreements, SB 60 enables observers of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) – such as The Good Food Institute – to actively participate in discussions and interact personally with delegates from around the world. “Just like last year, we participated in the Bonn Conference to discuss the impacts of food systems on the climate, highlight the importance of alternative proteins as a climate mitigation and adaptation strategy, and advocate for more funding so that the Global South can develop its own actions on the subject,” explained Mariana Bernal, Public Policy Analyst at GFI Brazil. To this end, GFI promoted a side event in partnership with the Alliance for Biodiversity International and CIAT, Proveg International, Coller Foundation (JCF), Humane Society International (HSI) and Changing Markets Foundation (CMF), in order to present the challenges and opportunities in transforming global food systems, based on the diversification of protein sources. The theme was led by experts from Humane Society International Brazil (HSI), Changing Markets Foundation (CMF), Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and YOUNGO. “We were able to follow the agricultural negotiations and learn about the proposals from governments and civil society to help us stay within the 1.5ºC target. At the events we participate in, we present paths for creating policies and strategies for sustainable, inclusive development that reduce the impact of food production on the climate,” summarizes Mariana Bernal. Other areas of progress in Bonn include: New Collective Quantified Target on Climate Finance: Simplification of the content for the New Collective Quantified Target on Climate Finance. Clear options and the substantive structure of a draft decision must be finalized before COP29. A technical expert dialogue was also held to ensure that the New Target is ambitious, well-structured, transparently reported and improves the quality of climate finance for developing countries. Adaptation Indicators: Parties have taken measures towards adaptation indicators that are forward-looking, effective and scientifically sound. International Carbon Market: Progress has been made towards a better functioning international carbon market, but there is still work to be done. Transparency and Climate Action Plans: Parties worked together for transparency and supported each other in planning stronger climate action plans. Progress on Building Resilience and Adaptation: Parties agreed on measures for the Global Goal on Adaptation, which creates thematic targets that highlight forward-looking global priorities. Progress has been made on indicators for each of these thematic targets, which will be inclusive, transparent and scientifically sound. The UNFCCC calls on countries to develop National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) by the end of 2025 and implement them by 2030. Progress Made on International Carbon Markets under Article 6: Important progress has been made on technical aspects of Article 6, including carbon credit authorization, scope of activity, international carbon market registry, and more. An additional workshop will be held to deepen technical work on Article 6 before November. Increasing Transparency: The new COP Presidency has requested Parties to submit their Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs) ahead of COP29 in Baku. New Enhanced Transparency Framework reporting toolkits will be delivered soon. Trainings on the new reporting tools will be held ahead of COP29. Raising Ambition in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs): Parties are expected to deliver their next round of NDCs early next year, aligned with the 1,5°C limit and covering all sectors and greenhouse gases. The NDC 3.0 Navigator has been launched to help Parties develop new NDCs with a focus on implementation. Other Topics and Events: GFI Brazil at SB60 in Bonn: Promoting protein diversification and climate finance GFI was represented by two policy experts during the event in Bonn. In the first week, Sam Lawrence, Vice President of Public Policy at GFI Asia, brought a global perspective to the discussions. In the second week, Mariana Bernal, Public Policy Analyst at GFI Brazil, took the lead, focusing on crucial issues for the Global South. Participation in Bonn was marked by an official side event and a press conference that highlighted the importance of protein diversification and climate finance for a sustainable food future.
GFI Brasil at IBITI Vegan Festival 2024
The 2nd edition of the IBITI Vegan Festival took place between May 23rd and 26th, at Ibiti Projeto. The event, promoted by Naveia, lasted 4 days and brought together gastronomy, art, and music, and was attended by people involved in the alternative protein sector, including chefs, representatives from the private sector, nutritionists, organizations, journalists, influencers, and the Development Manager of GFI Brazil, Ana Carolina Rossetini, who were invited to learn about the project and reflect on how we can maintain our habits while respecting nature and the environment. With a loving and carefully planned program to stimulate our taste buds and feelings, it included meditation, a water circuit trail, visits to the region's waterfalls, and meals prepared by chefs such as Gigi Vilela, Thiago Medeiros, Pri Herreira, Dani Rosa, Mari Marola, and Leo Kazuya, who prepared menus that reflected the local culture while also embodying their originality, healthiness, and sustainability. The meals were 100% vegan, made with lots of Naveia milk and ingredients produced by the community, planted and harvested in reforested areas. These were true feasts, full of colors, aromas, flavors, and lots of love and respect for traditions, nature, and the environment. Ana Carol, from GFI Brazil, participated in a chat on the theme “5 myths about food and its environmental impact,” sharing the discussion with nutritionist Ale Luglio, where she was able to contribute by presenting GFI's perception. The discussions held during the event included the latest developments in the sector and Brazilian cases from the plant-based market. In this sense, the biggest gain for the alternative protein segment was the opportunity to collectively reflect on issues related to the sector's advances and the main challenges of taking the food discussion to major global forums. For this opportunity, GFI Brazil would like to express its immense gratitude to Naveia, the IBITI project, and Comununiversidade for the opportunity to contribute to this discussion forum. About the IBITI Project: With 42 years of existence, located in the Ibitipoca State Park, in Minas Gerais, in a region marked by milk production, there are efforts to reforest and replant lands degraded by pasture, almost entirely abandoned due to difficulties in maintaining milk transportation and the lack of prospects for a subsistence economy. Today, the project has more than 6 hectares, full of hills covered by Atlantic Forest species, with specific areas of agricultural production and some buildings, which have made regenerative tourism viable and the implementation of actions to resume economic activity.
COP 28: Historic progress and much work ahead
COP 28, which took place in Dubai from November 30 to December 12, ended with historic advances in terms of recognizing the food sector as a strategic focus for climate mitigation and adaptation actions, but there is still a lot of work to be done. What were the main advances? The food systems agenda, which only began to be debated last year at the COP in Egypt, has gained more focus, intensity, commitment from countries, engagement from the international community, sources of financing for the sector and even an entire day dedicated to food and agriculture. This speed is unusual in the world of multilateral organizations, where change happens very slowly. Although it is still not enough to meet the urgency of accelerating the transition to more sustainable food systems in order to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, it is a significant step forward. The launch of three documents focused on food also represented a victory for the sector: Another victory was the inclusion of food systems and agriculture in the Global Stocktake, a document reviewed every 5 years that technically and politically analyzes how we have evolved in relation to the goals of the Paris Agreement and what the new commitments should be. Countries use the document to prepare their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), which are the goals that each nation self-determines to fulfill the Agreement's commitments. Mentions include the need to increase sustainable food production and to stimulate resilient food systems, for example. Although timid, this achievement already opens the necessary doors for the subject to be addressed in other official devices in the future, such as NDCs, and for the agenda to receive even more focus in the next editions of the COP. What do we still need to achieve? While we celebrate the progress made, we recognize that there is still a vast field of opportunities to be explored in food systems. The need to expand the discussion around innovations, such as disruptive technologies in the production of alternative proteins, is latent. Furthermore, it is crucial to further examine the environmental and social impacts of animal-based food production. These themes are key elements of a broader spectrum that encompasses changes in diets, sustainable rural practices such as agroecology, among others. Detailing and enriching the debate on all aspects of food systems is essential to fostering significant transformations towards a more sustainable and resilient future. “The rapid evolution in the food systems debate in multilateral organizations is remarkable and unusual. This year, we had an entire day dedicated to this topic, the formalization of a commitment by global leaders and the publication of reports. Furthermore, the inclusion of these systems in Global Stocktake is an important and hard-won milestone, although it may seem modest to outsiders. Despite these advances, it is still necessary to accelerate our efforts, given the urgency of improving the sustainability of food systems and mitigating the impacts caused by the climate crisis on them.” Gustavo Guadagnini, President of GFI Brazil. Next steps In the lead up to COP 29 in Azerbaijan in 2024, GFI will strive to strengthen the Global Coalition for Alternative Proteins (CGPA). Our initial goal is to engage more partners to create a broad and persuasive appeal, both at the grassroots and institutional levels, to promote the alternative protein sector as a viable climate solution. We will be focusing on specific initiatives, such as thematic working groups and strategic partnerships, to ensure that this agenda receives the necessary attention at the next conference. At the same time, the eyes of the global community are already on COP 30, which will take place in Brazil. Expectations are high due to the country's central role in the global climate scenario, a result of its current foreign policy, the symbolic importance of the Amazon and the process of reviewing the Paris agreement. In this last aspect, the event will mark the conclusion of the review process of the NDCs (each country's targets regarding the climate crisis), making COP 30 a crucial milestone in climate negotiations. This conference offers an unparalleled platform to bring critical issues, such as the sustainability of food systems and agriculture, to the center of the debate. This increases the importance of the CGPA already being structured and active. We encourage everyone to join us on this journey towards a more sustainable future and to actively participate in the discussions that will shape our food systems – and our planet – for future generations.