London 21st November – Despite the introduction of the landmark Loss and Damage fund, global governments at COP27 “have still not addressed the glaring problem” at the heart of the climate emergency - the connection between unsustainable food systems and the environment.

The historic agreement to set up a Loss and Damage fund, is a welcome development which will go a long way in addressing the financial discrepancies faced in developing countries. But, without addressing food systems at the UN level, there is an increased concern that global climate targets such as those set out in the Paris Agreement, will not be met.

At this year’s COP summit, FOUR PAWS hosted the first-ever pavilion dedicated to food systems. Alongside 15 other partners from around the world, the pavilion outlined the need for instant and concrete changes in our food systems and consumption. Despite Parties at the UN climate conference recognising the need to transition to more sustainable consumption patterns though, once again member states failed come together to put food systems, which account for one third of all greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions, as the major priority to tackle the climate emergency.