Enhancing NDCs for food systems: Recommendations for decision-makers

This paper seeks to provide guidance and recommendations for policymakers to increase ambition in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement using the climate change mitigation and adaptation potential of a transition to sustainable food systems.

The whole food system accounts for about 37 percent of all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, but NDCs currently largely overlook key opportunities like reducing food loss and waste as well as transitioning to sustainable diets which could cut emissions by up to 12.5 CtCo2e per year.

The paper by WWF in cooperation with UNEP, EAT, and Climate Focus, gives an overview of the role and opportunities for the food system to contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation and summarizes how it is currently featured in NDCs. It also provides suggestions for policies and measures that could be included in NDCs for activities across the food system. These recommendations are meant to serve as a starting point for discussions, and future development and to provide a clear way towards measurable, actionable outcomes within NDCs.