For investors, robust country plans mapping out how they aim to combat climate change are essential to managing climate-related risks and unlocking opportunities, especially in low- and middle-income countries. As of today, however, a core area that can drive the fight against climate change and support global development features too little in these plans: agriculture.
At the heart of the Paris Agreement on climate change, nationally determined contributions, or NDCs, outline country-level commitments to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the policies required to achieve them. Clear, ambitious policy signals through NDCs give investors the certainty needed to confidently allocate capital toward resilient infrastructure, sustainable food systems, and low-emission technologies — sectors crucial to improving livelihoods, food security, and economic stability in LMICs.
The Paris Agreement remains an important global agreement to manage the growing material risks of climate change, which disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations. Despite federal policy changes in the U.S., thousands of businesses, investors, and local governments recently stated that they remain committed to the goals of the climate agreement.
About the author
Helena Wright
Helena Wright, Ph.D., is the policy director at the FAIRR Initiative, where she focuses on policy solutions related to the risks and opportunities surrounding intensive animal agriculture. Wright’s work focuses on engaging with governments, regulators, industry bodies and investors to promote a greater understanding of the sustainability risks surrounding intensive animal agriculture and build increased engagement around sustainable policies and business practices. Her previous experience includes working as a vice president at the World Wide Fund for Nature, or WWF, working at the think tank E3G on sustainable finance, as well as working as a negotiator for the U.K. government. She holds a doctorate from Imperial College London.
