Animal Advocacy & Food Transition has joined more than 100 organizations from over 25 countries in urging Parties to the Paris Agreement to place agriculture and food systems at the heart of their 2035 climate commitments ahead of COP30 in Brazil. With food systems responsible for up to 42% of global greenhouse gas emissions, governments cannot meet the 1.5°C target without addressing the climate, biodiversity and pollution impacts of industrial agriculture.
Rising temperatures, degraded soils, and declining biodiversity are already undermining food production. At COP28, governments acknowledged these vulnerabilities and committed to integrating food and agriculture into their climate and biodiversity plans. They also endorsed global frameworks calling for a shift toward agroecology, reduced pesticide and fertilizer use, and the protection of farmers, workers and communities. These commitments now need to be translated into concrete, ambitious action.
Industrial animal production remains a major driver of methane and nitrous oxide emissions, deforestation, and inequitable food systems that concentrate power in the hands of multinational corporations. Yet, no major emitting country has put forward a credible plan to reduce agricultural emissions in line with the Paris Agreement. Some governments are even attempting to weaken methane reduction efforts through “no additional warming” accounting approaches that would allow today’s high levels of emissions to continue. This would undermine global climate goals and run counter to principles of equity and climate justice.
A just transition toward agroecology offers a clear path forward. Shifting public support away from industrial animal and feed production, investing in ecological farming, ensuring fair livelihoods for farmers and workers, and promoting healthier, more plant-based diets can significantly cut emissions while strengthening resilience and restoring ecosystems. It is essential that high-income countries lead this transition and avoid shifting environmental harm to the Global South.
Governments should reject weakened methane accounting and ensure that their 2035 targets include time-bound, ambitious commitments to transform food systems. COP30 is a crucial opportunity for governments to show real leadership and act on one of the most overlooked drivers of the climate crisis.