Dubai, United Arab Emirates, is currently hosting the 28th United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP28), a significant event in the global climate change calendar. This year’s conference, which will run until December 12, is particularly notable for its focus on agriculture’s role in climate discussions. The event has sparked a mixture of optimism and scepticism among participants and observers.
The annual COP28 conference is a key forum for international climate change negotiations. This year, the absence of U.S. President Biden is notable, but the presence of Vice President Harris and other key U.S. officials ensures substantial American participation.
A highlight of the conference will be a press conference by EPA Administrator Michael Regan and other U.S. leaders, focusing on the Biden-Harris administration’s climate policies, especially regarding methane pollution and industry innovation.
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack’s attendance at the conference from December 8 to 10 is eagerly anticipated. His presence will be especially significant on December 10, the Food, Agriculture and Water Day at COP28. This day is dedicated to repositioning agriculture from a sector often seen as a major greenhouse gas emitter to one that offers solutions to the climate crisis.
The conference includes a food pavilion and hosts various events. The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) is among the participants, planning to share their sessions on YouTube afterwards. The pavilion is supported by various organisations, including the American Feed Industry Association and Bayer.
Prior to COP28, USDA officials and industry stakeholders held a rally to promote a U.S.-favored approach to climate-smart farming, emphasising voluntary, incentive-based methods. Solutions from the Land, an advocacy group, is also participating in the conference, with President Ernie Shea highlighting agriculture’s role in broader global challenges.
The conference’s predominantly vegetarian food offerings reflect its sustainability commitment. This aligns with the promotion of plant-based diets, though the meat industry is also expected to make its case.
The UAE, as the host nation, announced the signing of the “COP28 UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action” by 134 countries. This declaration, unveiled at the World Climate Action Summit, aims to address global emissions while protecting farmers’ livelihoods. However, some critics have questioned the declaration’s impact.
COP28 represents a critical juncture for integrating agricultural practices into the global climate change agenda. The outcomes of this conference are expected to significantly influence future policies and actions in the fight against climate change.
