Istanbul: COP31, set to be hosted by Trkiye in November, represents a pivotal moment to tackle the intersection of climate change and agri-food systems, according to Viorel Gutu, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) assistant director-general and regional representative for Europe and Central Asia. During a conversation with Anadolu, Gutu emphasized the importance of this agenda at the upcoming UN climate summit.
According to Anadolu Agency, the 5th Istanbul International Water Forum, organized by the Trkiye Water Institute, gathered international and regional experts to address pressing water challenges. Key topics included water use in agriculture, food security, and the upcoming COP31 summit. Gutu highlighted the forum's role in promoting water resilience and efficiency, crucial topics on the global agenda.
Gutu underscored the critical link between water and agricultural production, noting that 70% of water usage globally is attributed to agriculture. He stressed the need for increased efficiency in water use, citing a significant gap between agriculture's water-use efficiency, which stands at $0.7 per cubic metre, compared to over $50 in industry and more than $114 in the services sector.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Gutu stated that approximately 673 million people are expected to face hunger in 2024, with 2.5 billion lacking access to a healthy diet. With the global population projected to reach 10 billion by 2050, the pressure on food production will intensify. Gutu noted that while agricultural production has tripled in the past 60 years, the land used for agriculture has only increased by 8%, underscoring the focus on productivity.
Gutu called for enhanced discussions on food security, emphasizing the importance of events like the Istanbul forum for raising awareness, developing solutions, and advising governments. He highlighted the critical nature of the UN's target to limit global warming to 1.5°C, which is essential for sustaining future needs. Investment in natural resource preservation and modern technologies is vital, he added, for adapting to climate shocks and ensuring resilience in vulnerable areas.
The COP summits under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change are crucial for addressing climate change comprehensively, Gutu noted. He pointed out that recent COPs have started to include agri-food systems on the agenda, recognizing agriculture's role in greenhouse gas emissions and its potential in mitigating climate change impacts.
COP31, with Trkiye at the helm, offers a significant opportunity to explore the multifaceted relationship between climate change and agriculture. Gutu praised Trkiye for hosting the event and emphasized the potential for COP31 to mobilize climate financing for agri-food systems. He identified a $1.3 trillion annual financing gap in agri-food systems, which, if addressed through COP commitments, could accelerate progress towards global goals.
Gutu concluded by affirming the FAO's commitment to engaging with governments and participating in negotiations to spotlight agri-food systems and secure necessary resources for sustainable development.