A side event during the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 29) on 19 November shared progress, lessons learned, and pathways to meet the Global Stocktake’s (GST) call for all parties to both put National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) in place by 2025 and make progress in implementing them by 2030. Using climate technologies to accelerate the implementation of countries’ climate plans in agrifood systems was the focus of another event.
Speakers underscored that NAPs are not only planning tools but also useful for countries to better understand and address their vulnerabilities, and are critical for achieving inclusive adaptation at scale. A representative from Azerbaijan noted that 60 NAPs have been submitted to the UNFCCC thus far, with another participant recalling their establishment in 2010 under the Cancun Adaptation Framework, as well as, most recently, under the UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience, which integrates NAPs into the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA). A representative from the US highlighted funding for short-term technical assistance to six developing countries for adaptation investment planning through the NAP Global Network. The event was organized by the COP 29 Presidency, the US, and the NAP Global Network
A high-level dialogue on 19 November discussed how countries can provide the right policies and enabling environment to promote sustainability and resilience in agrifood systems with the use of climate technologies. Sarvan Jafarov, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Azerbaijan, highlighted the intersection between climate change and agrifood systems and emphasized the need to integrate food production into climate strategies, mobilize financial resources to do so, and form partnerships and share best practices to ensure climate resilience and food security.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) shared FAO’s work on developing guidelines in agrifood systems that utilize both traditional and innovative approaches, including the use of renewable energy in processing and cold storage. Also introduced was the FAO report on ‘Climate Technologies for Agrifood Systems Transformation: Placing Food Security, Climate Change and Poverty Reduction at the Forefront,’ which provides an overview of interlinkages between agrifood systems and climate technology. Key findings include that: risks to food security and agrifood systems are the most reported climate-related risks in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs); and almost all countries identify agrifood systems as a priority for adaptation and mitigation.
One speaker urged strengthening technology needs assessments and the inclusion of climate technology for agrifood systems in NDCs and NAPs. Another noted a growing demand from developing countries to improve agrifood systems through technology, such as irrigation systems, meteorological systems on climate data, drones and artificial intelligence (AI), hydroponics, aquaponics, and floating farms. To scale up these initiatives, he added, community training, creating the right enabling environment, mobilizing finance, and promoting social inclusion are needed. The event was organized by FAO and the UNFCCC Technology Executive Committee (TEC).