If we are to stand any chance of holding the 1.5☌ climate planetary boundary, we must hold the planet within the scientifically derived global carbon budget, which is very small, corresponding to no more than 6-8 years at the current rate of emissions. The challenge of reducing global GHG emissions to net zero by mid-century becomes harder with every year that passes. The Reid family bale their hay crop, which will be compressed and exported to Japan, near Cremona, Alberta, July 2022 Jeff McIntosh/THE CANADIAN PRESS via APįeeding humanity within safe planetary boundaries is thus critical for our chances to solve the climate crisis and secure manageable conditions for human development.Ī full planetary boundary approach is necessary to ensure that improving the impact on one boundary doesn’t have a negative impact on another, such as reducing climate change through circular economy practices at the expense of an increase in freshwater use due to the method of recycling. The global food system alone has exceeded six of these: GHG emissions cropland use freshwater use biosphere integrity, overloading of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus (predominantly from fertilisers), and novel entities of chemical compounds. Science has identified nine planetary boundaries that society must operate within if humanity is to develop and thrive within adequate environmental conditions on Earth.

To accelerate change, both businesses and policy must align with science-based targets with an integrated approach that goes beyond climate. The global food system must be at the forefront of this transformation, as, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), it accounts for over 34% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

We need a turn-around in the narrative of the future, now.

How can we transform the global food system to preserve our planet?Ī man eats pasta in a restaurant in Milan, June 2023ĭespite continued resource-depleting and polluting economic growth, a growing global population, and planetary boundaries being breached, there is still a chance of returning to the safe zone for a scientifically defined, stable, and resilient planet.īut the time to make the necessary changes is running out, with this decade marking our best opportunity.

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