COP30 to Spotlight Food and Agriculture in Climate Action Agenda

In preparation for the 30th session of the Conference of the Parties at the 2025 U.N. Climate Change Conference (COP30), COP30 President-Designate André Corrêa do Lago released his fourth official letter outlining a solutions-oriented COP30 Action Agenda. This agenda is designed to guide global climate action with a strong emphasis on sustainable development and aligns closely with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Key Thematic Axes and Objectives

The COP30 Action Agenda is structured around six thematic axes, including:

1. Transforming agriculture and food systems
2. Stewarding forests, oceans, and biodiversity
3. Building resilience for cities, infrastructure, and water

Within these axes, 30 “super leverage points” have been identified to drive impactful change. Regarding food and agriculture, the objectives focus on:

• Land restoration and sustainable agriculture
• Developing resilient, adaptive, and sustainable food systems
• Ensuring equitable access to adequate food and nutrition for all

These goals directly support SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Inclusive Participation for Effective Implementation

President-Designate do Lago emphasized the importance of involving key actors who will implement decisions, stating that the agenda “brings to the COP the actors who will implement the decisions.” The COP Presidency plans to engage businesses, investors, NGOs, subnational governments, and coalitions from previous COPs in Activation Groups aligned with each key objective to shape the outcomes of COP30. This collaborative approach supports SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Study Finds Rising Temperatures Will Shrink Global Crop Yields

A recent study published in Nature provides the most comprehensive analysis to date on the impact of global warming on crop yields. Contrary to earlier research suggesting potential benefits of warming on food production, this study finds that rising temperatures threaten staple crop yields worldwide, even when adaptive measures are taken.

Scope and Findings

• Data from over 12,600 regions across 54 countries were analyzed.
• Six staple crops studied: corn, soybeans, rice, wheat, cassava, and sorghum.
• For every 1°C increase in temperature, global food production capacity could decline by 120 calories per person per day, representing a 4.4% reduction in average daily intake.
• A 3°C rise could equate to the global population “giving up breakfast,” highlighting severe food security risks.

Adaptation and Sustainable Development

The study models realistic adaptation strategies such as modifying fertilizer use, irrigation, crop switching, and adjusting planting schedules. These measures could offset approximately one-third of the projected losses over the next 75 years. However, without adaptation, agricultural outcomes would be significantly worse, especially in high-income countries that currently show limited adaptation despite being major food producers.

This research underscores the urgency of integrating climate adaptation into agricultural practices, aligning with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Researchers Investigate Agricultural Links to Iowa’s Cancer Surge

A new research project led by former Iowa Department of Health consultant Elise Pohl is investigating potential environmental factors related to Iowa’s rising cancer rates, which are now the second highest in the United States. The study focuses on the impact of industrial agricultural practices on public health.

Environmental Concerns and Health Implications

• Heavy use of pesticides, including glyphosate, a probable carcinogen according to WHO.
• Widespread nitrate runoff from fertilizers and livestock manure.
• Radon exposure affecting approximately half of Iowa homes.

The research is supported by the Iowa Environmental Council and the Harkin Institute and aims to release preliminary findings later this year. This investigation highlights the intersection of environmental sustainability and health, relevant to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Agricultural Fungicides May Fuel Drug-Resistant Fungal Infections

Researchers at the University of California Davis warn that the extensive use of agricultural fungicides may contribute to increasing resistance to antifungal treatments in humans and animals. In a commentary published in the New England Journal of Medicine, experts call for a global “One Health” approach that integrates environmental, animal, and human health perspectives.

Rising Threats and Calls for Action

• Fungal infections are increasing worldwide due to climate and travel changes.
• Overuse of fungicides parallels antibiotic resistance, with resistance levels linked to usage intensity.
• The “One Health” approach advocates for holistic strategies to combat pathogen resistance.

This approach supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land) by promoting sustainable practices that protect health across ecosystems.

Photo courtesy of Joe Baometrus, Unsplash

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger – The article discusses transforming agriculture and food systems, ensuring equitable access to adequate food and nutrition for all, and the impact of climate change on global crop yields.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The investigation into agricultural chemicals linked to cancer rates and the rise of drug-resistant fungal infections relate to health and well-being.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action – The COP30 Action Agenda focuses on climate action, including agriculture’s role in climate change mitigation and adaptation.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land – The agenda includes stewarding forests, biodiversity, and land restoration, which are part of life on land.
5. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Concerns about nitrate runoff affecting water quality are linked to clean water and sanitation.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 2 Targets:
   • 2.1 – End hunger and ensure access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food all year round.
   • 2.4 – Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices.
   • 2.5 – Maintain the genetic diversity of seeds, plants, and farmed animals.
2. SDG 3 Targets:
   • 3.4 – Reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment.
   • 3.9 – Reduce illnesses and deaths from hazardous chemicals and pollution.
3. SDG 6 Targets:
   • 6.3 – Improve water quality by reducing pollution, minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
4. SDG 13 Targets:
   • 13.1 – Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
   • 13.2 – Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
5. SDG 15 Targets:
   • 15.1 – Ensure conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
   • 15.2 – Promote sustainable management of forests and halt biodiversity loss.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicators related to SDG 2:
   • Crop yield changes for staple crops (corn, soybeans, rice, wheat, cassava, sorghum) as affected by temperature rise.
   • Caloric intake per person per day as a measure of food availability.
   • Number and effectiveness of adaptation measures implemented in agriculture.
2. Indicators related to SDG 3:
   • Cancer incidence rates in regions with high agricultural chemical use (e.g., Iowa).
   • Prevalence of drug-resistant fungal infections in humans and animals.
   • Levels of exposure to hazardous chemicals such as pesticides, nitrates, PFAs, and radon.
3. Indicators related to SDG 6:
   • Concentration of nitrates and other pollutants in water bodies affected by agricultural runoff.
4. Indicators related to SDG 13:
   • Number of countries or regions adopting climate-resilient agricultural practices.
   • Extent of land restoration and sustainable agriculture implementation.
5. Indicators related to SDG 15:
   • Area of forests and biodiversity-rich land under sustainable management.
   • Measures of biodiversity health and restoration progress.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: foodtank.com