Achieving food security in the face of climate change

This report is a summary for decision-makers on the conclusions of the Commission on Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Change's work, which was published just before the Durban Conference on climate change. The Commission is a working group created by CGIAR that gathers a dozen international academics. It has reviewed the scientific evidence to identify a pathway to achieving food security in the context of climate change. Food systems must shift to better meet human needs and, in the long term, balance with planetary resources. This will demand major interventions, at local to global scales, to transform current patterns of food production, distribution and consumption. Investment, innovation, and deliberate effort to empower the world's most vulnerable populations will be required to construct a global food system that adapts to climate change and ensures food security while minimizing greenhouse gas emissions and sustaining our natural resource base. Greatly expanded investments in sustainable agriculture, including improving supporting infrastructure and restoring degraded ecosystems, are an essential component of long-term economic development. After the Durban Conference, the Commission published an article in Science (January 2012). In this article, they argue that Durban made some progress but it is insufficient considering the challenges. Adaptation and mitigation are dealt with separately under the Convention on climate change, which prevents countries from discussing agriculture whereas there are opportunities in agriculture regarding both domains. For some countries, changes are too big to me formulated in an international agreement. Based on their conclusions from Durban, the authors have identified priorities for the future. Scientists could help reach serious improvements by enhancing knowledge of farming practices that bring multiple benefits and understanding of the connections between farming and forest. The authors suggest that the Green Climate Fund should help invest in agriculture that integrates adaptation and mitigation priorities. National actions plans are also necessary. Finally, the authors call for a work programme and an agreement on agriculture to be reached at the next conference (COP18) in Doha, Qatar.

Commission on Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Change - November 2011