Climate change is no longer a future threat: it is a reality that is reshaping agrifood systems and compromising global food security. Its impacts are reflected in the quantity and quality of food, affecting agricultural yields, water availability, the emergence of pests, the spread of diseases, and fundamental processes such as pollination. Even changes in atmospheric CO₂ are altering crop biomass and nutritional value.
In 2024, climate shocks were the main driver of food crises in 18 countries, affecting 72 million people facing high levels of food insecurity. Hurricane Melissa, which hit Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba, is a recent example of the severe effects these events have on agrifood systems.
In the past five decades, climate change has reduced global cereal yields by 2 to 5 percent; in Latin America alone, maize yields have fallen by around 5 percent. Since 1961, climate change has reduced global agricultural productivity by 21 percent, equivalent to losing seven years of progress.
These data reveal a clear conclusion: it is urgent to rethink and transform agrifood systems, accelerating mitigation and adaptation measures. But this requires addressing a critical financing gap.
Despite the urgency, in 2023 only 4 percent of climate development finance was allocated to agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and forestry. This imbalance threatens the ability of the most vulnerable countries to adapt and move toward sustainable production models.
If we truly want more sustainable and resilient agrifood systems, climate finance must prioritize agriculture and the livelihoods of rural communities. Without sufficient resources, international commitments will remain words that do not translate into concrete results.
In this context, COP30 is decisive. The promotion of agroforestry projects in the Amazon, which restore degraded land and directly benefit local communities, is a fundamental element for the sustainability of ecosystems for food and agriculture.
The presentation of the Tropical Forests Forever Fund (TFFF), led by Brazil with support from the World Bank, proposes an innovative model to finance global forest conservation, seeking to mobilize USD 25 billion from countries and USD 100 billion from private investors. This approach demonstrates that sustainability can also be an economic opportunity when there is vision and commitment.
The early approval of the COP30 agenda shows political will to advance climate finance, energy transition, adaptation, and resilience. The challenge now is to turn commitments into concrete goals, with defined deadlines and real resources. History shows that promises without action do not feed people.
At FAO, we promote strategies that combine mitigation and adaptation, such as integrated fire management, whose call to action was launched at this COP under the leadership of Brazil and with the support of 50 countries.
COP30 comes at a key moment to place agriculture, food, and the role of Indigenous Peoples and rural communities at the center of global discussions.
The future of food, sustainability, and global stability depends on COP30 being more than a summit: it must be the beginning of a new era of climate action focused on agrifood systems.
Deputy Director-General and FAO Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean
Content published by the newspaper La Jornada: https://www.jornada.com.mx/noticia/2025/11/15/opinion/cop30-financiamiento-urgente-para-transformar-los-sistemas-agroalimentarios