Opinion: Farmers cannot lose out in the race to net-zero
The energy sector is often central in climate discussions around a “just transition.” Yet the agrifood sector must also ensure a just shift to sustainable practices — without disproportionately burdening farmers or low-income countries. A just transition for agriculture therefore deserves the same prominence and attention at the ongoing United Nations climate conference, COP29, as the just energy transition.
The principle of a just transition is intended to minimize the negative effects of necessary short-term shifts to go from high- to low-carbon economies. It features at the COP29 climate talks through the Just Transition Work Program. It is about ensuring that no people, sectors, countries, or regions are left behind in a transformation that is needed to avert the climate crisis.
The move to resilient, low-emission agrifood systems must address unique features, specific vulnerabilities, and the range of potential routes to emission reductions in the sector to ensure no one is left behind. It also needs to account for the new and profound stresses placed on the natural systems that agrifood systems rely on, and consequently on the livelihoods of people who depend on them.
About the authors
Ismahane Elouafi
Ismahane Elouafi leads CGIAR, advancing global food security by transforming food production while protecting the environment. She previously served as chief scientist at the Food and Agriculture Organization. Her honors include the TIME100 and the Jean Mayer Prize for Excellence in Nutrition Science and Policy.
Kaveh Zahedi
Kaveh Zahedi is the director of the Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment at the Food and Agriculture Organization. He is responsible for coordinating FAO's work and strategies on climate change, biodiversity and environment, including through partnerships with the conventions.
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