$205B a year could slash agri-food systems emissions by nearly half

The agri-food sector would need to spend $205 billion per year between 2025 and 2030 to cut nine gigatons of greenhouse gas emissions, or about half of all emissions from global food systems, according to a pair of reports.

While the sum is substantial, it amounts to less than 2% of annual food sector revenues, meaning such an investment is within reach — and that in turn, the sector could play a key role in helping the world meet its climate targets, according to the “Future Fit Food and Agriculture” report series published Tuesday. It was a partnership with the Food and Land Use Coalition, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, and the We Mean Business Coalition.

The reports say these investments are not only possible and necessary, but that companies will also see benefits if they act soon. And they would get the sector on the pathway to achieving Paris Agreement targets of global warming to 1.5 C compared to preindustrial temperatures.