Agriculture’s evolving role as a genuine solution for climate change was evident in the ongoing climate discussions at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan in November, as confirmed by the more collaborative tone at side events and during meetings involving leaders from the Pathways to Dairy NetZero (P2DNZ) initiative, including Global Dairy Platform (GDP), International Dairy Federation (IDF) and Dairy Sustainability Framework (DSF).
Agriculture, particularly livestock farming, has often been criticized for its environmental impact, especially regarding greenhouse gas emissions, at global environmentally focused events. However, leading up to and including COP29, the narrative was starting to evolve.
“I think we’re starting to see a more positive narrative about the role of food and agriculture and within that, livestock and dairy at these discussions now,” said Donald Moore, Executive Director of Global Dairy Platform.
“We’re noticing a shift from unproductive criticism to greater understanding and thoughtful questioning, recognizing that solving climate change while addressing hunger and nutritional security requires collaboration, not blame. We’re going to need all of the tools in our toolkit if we’re going to be able to address challenges like hunger, malnutrition and climate change that we’re facing as a society.”
The shift in perspective was also reflected in the terminology used at the summit. Terms like “alternative proteins,” which have often been used to advocate for reducing livestock, were replaced with “complementary proteins,” indicating a more inclusive approach to addressing global food and climate challenges.
Brian Lindsay, who is Sector Lead for Sustainability for Global Dairy Platform and Director of the Dairy Sustainability Framework, noticed that people who had been staunch critics in the past were now entering into a more positive dialogue on how to collectively solve the multi-factorial challenge of climate change.
“They were open to finding a path forward together because, at the big-picture level, they want the same outcomes,” he added. “This was a result of building relations through past events, listening to their concerns and letting them know what the dairy industry can contribute toward being an active and positive part of the solution.”
Science and the Debate on Livestock Agriculture
The debate around the environmental impact of livestock agriculture has often been contentious. Moore points to recent studies that have provided a more nuanced view.
“I believe that the science has caught up with the rhetoric,” he explained. “It takes time for academics to produce the studies, but I think we’re seeing more and more of those studies actually countering some of the rhetoric. I think it’s adding to a more balanced discussion.”
Lindsay agrees that it’s getting there. “We’ve been banging the drum without much attention, but agriculture is genuinely part of the solution,” he said. “What we’ve got to do is make sure our side events and messaging at COP can effectively show how agriculture can and is already being a serious contributor towards the solution.” Initiatives like the DSF are quantifying the impact of the sector’s efforts and can underpin the narrative that is being shared.
Achieving Net Zero Ambitions in Agriculture
Achieving minimal emissions in agriculture isn’t as simple as converting to one production system typology; it requires nuanced, region-specific strategies. The global agricultural landscape is highly diverse, making it essential to develop forward thinking policies that accommodate varied production systems while supporting agriculture’s role in addressing climate change. A key challenge is ensuring policymakers create strategies that agriculture can deliver globally. From this the regional policies will provide the agricultural community with the direction and confidence to implement the change at scale that is required for agriculture to play its part.
The growing presence of agricultural organizations at COP reflects increased engagement in climate discussions. “Our priority now, I believe, is to align these groups to ensure agriculture moves forward collectively,” Lindsay said. “Emerging concepts like regenerative agriculture highlight sensible farming practices, but their interpretation, implementation, measurement, and narrative must be carefully managed. Agriculture’s role as part of the climate solution requires collaboration and coherent strategies.”
GDP and P2DNZ at COP29
At COP29, GDP worked with the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (GRSB) and the Government of Uruguay to co-host a side event addressing methane emissions from rice, beef, and dairy. “It was a well-attended and well-received event,” Moore said. “We were able to delve deep into the objectives of Pathways to Dairy Net Zero and how it is already delivering action in many markets.”
While side events are often criticized for limited impact, this year’s integrated venue allowed for much broader engagement, attracting policymakers and stakeholders from beyond the agricultural community. These discussions created follow-up opportunities, including invitations to United Nations Environment Program meetings on food loss and net-zero banking. Overall, the events underscored agriculture’s pivotal role in addressing climate challenges while highlighting the need for continued research into the role of food systems and deeper integration into global climate policy.
While COP29 highlighted some of the progress made in recognizing agriculture’s role in climate solutions, more work needs to be done. Both Moore and Lindsay emphasized the importance of collaboration and continued dialogue among agricultural stakeholders, policymakers, the scientific community and wider stakeholders. “I wouldn’t say we’ve solved all of the scientific challenges, but at least dairy is now part of the conversation and on the right track,” Moore said.