On September 1, 2020, the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), non-profit organizations EAT and Climate Focus published a report “Enhancing Nationally Determined Contributions for Food Systems” providing measures that each country should adopt so as not to miss opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In developed countries such as the G20, more ambitious targets should be set in the food consumption and disposal sector, whereas in developing countries with food security challenges, it is necessary to support the establishment of sustainable and robust food systems.

The report proposes the following recommendations for decision-makers:

Production

• reduced land-use change and conversion of natural habitats
• efficient cropland management (e.g. crop rotation and cover crop)
• reduced emissions from rice paddies
• agroforestry systems
• improved synthetic fertilizer production and use
• reduced or zero tillage
• diversified crop systems
• reduce emissions from livestock (enteric fermentation and manure)
• improved management of pasture and grazing land

Processing, storage and transport

• improved handling and storage of food
• reduced food waste

Consumption and diets

• reduce food waste by consumers and retailers
• relevant for foods with high-imported emissions
• reduce consumption of emissions-intensive food
• increase consumption of healthy and sustainable food

The full report is available here:

Ingrid Schulte, et al. 2020. ENHANCING NDCS FOR FOOD SYSTEMS ECOMMENDATIONS FOR DECISION-MAKERS. WWF Germany & WWF Food Practice 

UN News, From farm to fork: How food systems can power climate action. September 1, 2020.

Contributor: IIYAMA Miyuki (Research Strategy Office)