Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation: Addressing the Unintended Consequences

15 November 2022, 16:00-17:00

Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) Pavilion

Objectives

This side event aims to:

• To facilitate an open and honest discussion on avoidance and management of unintended consequences of climate action.
• Increase climate ambition amongst global agricultural leaders, share learnings and motivate collective action.
• Provide networking opportunities to attendees

Speakers

Moderator: Fabio Niespolo, Emerging ag

Programming Speakers/Featured Initiatives:

• Vicky Gandini, Government of Argentina (TBC)
• Todd Crane, International Livestock Research Institute
• Tabi Joda, CEO of GreenAid and lead “One Billion Trees for Africa” 
• Michelle Nutting, Nutrien
• Thomas Westhoff, President, International Association of Agricultural Students (TBC)

Background

The impacts of global climate change on food systems are widespread, complex, geographically and temporally variable, and profoundly influenced by socioeconomic conditions. The response of human and environmental systems to this spectrum of changes is likewise complex. Given this complexity, understanding climate change, its impacts, and potential responses inherently requires an appreciation of potential negative outcomes of seemingly positive actions.

There is increasing evidence of adaptation that has caused unintended consequences, for example destroying nature, putting peoples’ lives at risk or increasing greenhouse gas emissions.  At the same time, emerging climate change mitigation policies focus on the implementation of global measures relying on carbon prices to attain rapid emissions reductions, with limited consideration for the impacts of global policies at local scales. 

Inherent in every adaptation and mitigation measure are risks, costs and benefits. A challenge for decision-makers is how to choose adaptation and mitigation measures that reduce risks from climate change impacts and provide overwhelmingly beneficial outcomes. It is critical to connect global climate change mitigation policies to local dynamics for a better exploration of the full range of possible future scenarios while supporting policy makers in prioritizing sustainable mitigation and adaptation solutions.

Fortunately, a range of win-win solutions exist. A growing body of research has demonstrated that climate solutions—i.e., solutions that directly reduce emissions–can help reduce if not eradicate hunger, poverty, inequality, and many of the other deep-seated issues that grip our world. These cascading co-benefits include ensuring future food security, abundant access to clean energy, the preservation and restoration of life on land and in the oceans, improving gender equality and ensuring inclusive economic growth for all.

This event will highlight actions that need to be taken to address the unintended consequences of climate change mitigation and adaptation and showcase the range of win-win solutions that exist. The event will bring together experts and leaders to explore, debate, and highlight the importance of contextualizing global measures at local scales and prioritizing sustainable mitigation and adaptation solutions.