50+ NGOs join forces with Nigeria, the DRC, and Uganda and Urge Global Action on Meat Consumption ahead of COP29

A coalition of more than 50 NGOs from 30 countries has signed the COP29 declaration spearheaded by TAPP Coalition and Africa Climate Action Initiative. Joining the DRC (Congo), Nigeria, and Uganda, the NGOs call for urgent global action to address the environmental impacts of meat consumption and underscores that the global food system is responsible for 33% of all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with livestock production alone contributing between 14.5% and 20%. It highlights that the current trajectory of meat consumption and livestock production is incompatible with global climate goals, particularly the Paris Agreement's net-zero emissions target by 2050.

Meat Consumption Incompatible with Paris Goals
The declaration reveals alarming trends: meat consumption far exceeds national and global dietary guidelines, with an average of 71.4 kg per capita annually in OECD countries, compared to 26.6 kg in developing nations. Additionally, livestock herds are projected to increase by up to 46% by 2050, further exacerbating emissions from the agricultural sector. Beef, pork, and chicken production have significantly higher GHG footprints compared to plant-based proteins, such as legumes and nuts, making them major contributors to climate change.

The coalition also highlights the broader environmental impacts of livestock farming, including deforestation, land-use change, and biodiversity loss, with 13 billion hectares of deforestation occurring annually due to agricultural expansion. The declaration echoes warnings from recent reports by the IPCC and COP27, which have called for reducing meat consumption in high-income countries as a critical step in addressing the climate crisis.

COP 29
Looking ahead to COP29, the NGOs urge the conference to incorporate decisive action on meat consumption into its climate agenda. They call for a closing statement that emphasizes the need to " transition away from animal protein overconsumption according to national or global dietary guidelines by implementing GHG-Emission pricing mechanisms in agri-food systems." The declaration advocates for the EU Commission, OECD countries, and China to lead the charge in harmonizing these pricing mechanisms. Furthermore, it proposes that 20% of the revenue generated from such measures be directed toward climate finance for the Loss and Damage Fund, aimed at supporting the most vulnerable countries.

The coalition stresses that without bold steps to address the environmental impact of meat production, future climate conferences will fall short in the fight against climate change. By tackling the issue of overconsumption and promoting sustainable diets, the coalition believes COP29 and future UNFCCC climate conferences can set a clear path toward a more climate-resilient future.

Be sure not the miss our pressconference about this declaration during COP29:

TAPP Coalition: Making the Polluter Pay: Ensuring a Just Transition by Pricing Agricultural Emissions

Press Conference 2 Area C | 12-Nov-2024 | 17:00-17:30

List of Supporters (Ministers):

ABBAS LAWAL, Balarabe, Minister of Environment, Nigeria

CHEPTORIS, Sam, Minister of Water and Environment, Uganda

TOIRAMBE BAMONINGA, Benjamin, Secretary General for the Environment and Development, République Démocratique du Congo

List of Supporters (NGOs):

Real Food Systems
Sinergia Animal
Chuyen Doi Xanh
AYDii Africa
The Humane League
The Raven Corps
Eat for the Earth
Plant Based Treaty
Humane Action Pennsylvania
Humane Action Pittsburgh
Social Compassion in Legislation
Animal Protection League of New Jersey
Voters For Animal Rights
Plant Based Treaty
Alianima
Research & Innovation
Hermosillo Animal Save
Save Movement Netherlands
Climate Save Ottawa
Centre de Développement de la Région de Tensift
Resilient40(R40)
Dr Uzo Adirieje Foundation (DUZAFOUND)
FAEC Cambodia (Farmers' Actions for the Economy for Communities in Cambodia)
BANCO DE ALIMENTOS ORO VERDE TABASCO AC
Gbolekekro Women Empowerment And Development Organization ( GWEDO)
Hope Givers Foundation
Green Globe Organisation
Rural Infrastructure & Human Resource Development Organization (RIHRDO)
Versantul Partizanilor
Enemas Foundation
DA News Media Advocacy for Climate Literacy and Justice
Rural community in development
Youth Path Organisation
GROOTS Kenya
Community Association for Sustainable Development
Agroforestry/university Assane Seck of Ziguinchor
Pakistan's Young Diplomats of International Relations PYDIR)
African Environment and Communities. AEC
Wote Youth Development Projects CBO
Green Land In Developing Environments (GLIDE)
GREEN AND BETTER WORLD
UNASCAD (Union des Amis Socio Culturels d'Action en Developpement)
Sinatsisa Lubombo Women and girls Empowerment organization
Dhrubotara Youth Development Foundation
Centre for Renewable Energy and Action on Climate Change
UNISC International
Greenbeehive Solution
ICENECDEV-International Centre for Environmental Education and Community Development
African Center for Environment, Agriculture & Rural Development
International Climate Change Development Initiative