Sinergia Animal calls for a climate-resilient food system to protect vulnerable countries

El Niño, failed crops, and climate disasters are expected in 2024. High food prices and undermining agricultural output will exacerbate food insecurity.

International NGO Sinergia Animal urges governments and finance institutions to invest in sustainable food systems to protect the Global South.

The 2024 edition of the United Nations’ “World Economic Situation and Prospects” report highlighted global warming effects with a gloomy outlook. Extreme weather, climate disasters, and the advancement of El Niño phenomena pose a significant risk to economic growth and food security in countries of Latin America, Asia, and Africa. 

“Food production relies on the right weather conditions, and the UN’s predictions indicate an unfolding crisis for agriculture. In this context, the Global South is the least equipped to manage economic losses, food insecurity, and malnutrition. We urge governments and finance institutions to shift towards a more sustainable and efficient food system to protect the most vulnerable countries”, explains Sinergia Animal, an international animal protection NGO that promotes sustainable and compassionate food choices in Latino-American and South Asian countries.

In its forecast, the UN estimates that many South Asian, East Asian, and African economies are expected to sustain elevated food price inflation. The potential return of El Niño threatens climate patterns, increasing the likelihood of excessive or insufficient precipitation. With the regions most susceptible to drought, the disruption of wheat, rice, and maize staple crops could escalate prices and food insecurity. 

As for Latin America and the Caribbean countries, climate change represents a lasting disruption to the productive structure. Rising temperatures, increased droughts, and extreme climatic events like hurricanes and storms could severely affect agriculture and tourism, contributing to decreased labor productivity and rapid depreciation of capital stocks. 

Making the problem visible

For Sinergia Animal, climate shock also lies in an inadequate food system that depends on animal proteins, the primary emitters of CO2 and greenhouse gases in food production. Livestock and fish farms are responsible for 61% of the emissions within the agriculture sector –without considering supply chains– and only provide 37% of the proteins and 18% of the calories consumed worldwide. 

“This inefficiency is also related to hunger and social inequities. Prominent studies and international organizations like WHO have concluded that we must shift to more plant-based alternatives. This dietary pattern aligns with climate and nutritional objectives and considers a more compassionate relation with other species”, states the organization.

Financing and promoting real solutions

COP28 marked a historic moment as the transformation of the food system was included in the “UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, and Climate Action.” Governments acknowledged the need to assist farmers in adapting to climate change and commit to reducing their countries' agricultural emissions. However, lowering the number of farmed animals and mitigating animal agriculture's impacts was not incorporated. 

“We expect this discussion to be prioritized. Development Banks and finance institutions must divest factory farming and fund resilient agri-food systems. Governments worldwide can look upon concrete actions like Denmark’s road plan to boost plant-based food production; Sinergia Animal will enhance these efforts to guarantee a sustainable and compassionate future for all”, concludes the NGO.

Be part of the transformation

Sinergia Animal works with the help of thousands of volunteers and donors. Consider donating today if you want to contribute with us and build a climate-resilient food system promoting plant-based alternatives. Your help has enormous potential for animal lives, your health, and climate action. Click here and be part of the transformation.