vegetables
World Bank suggests reprioritizing agricultural subsidies to combat climate change
The World Bank proposes shifting subsidies from high-emission foods like red meat and dairy to more sustainable options such as poultry and vegetables, aiming to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions.
In short:
- The World Bank's new strategy focuses on reallocating funds to support less carbon-intensive foods, like chicken and vegetables.
- This approach could drastically lower the agriculture sector's contribution to global emissions, currently at nearly one-third.
- The plan coincides with upcoming updates to the Paris Agreement, stressing the urgency of enhanced climate action in food production.
Key quote:
“We have to stop destroying the planet as we feed ourselves.”
— Julian Lampietti, manager for global engagement in the World Bank's agriculture and food global practice
Why this matters:
Red meat and dairy are among the most resource-intensive and polluting agricultural sectors, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water scarcity. By diverting subsidies to lower-emission alternatives such as poultry and plant-based products, the initiative aims to mitigate these environmental concerns while fostering a more sustainable and resilient food system.
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