by Ronnika A. McFall, APR

The emissions detected by environmental data company GHGSat's high-resolution satellites in February are a clear example of why immediate action must be taken to control the emissions produced by the food and agriculture sectors to meet the targets in the Paris Agreement. To meet the Paris Agreement targets, all sectors must reduce their emissions. But on a business-as-usual basis, emissions from food and farming are set to rise dramatically. Without a significant decrease in meat and dairy consumption in all but the poorest countries, it will be almost impossible to avoid dangerous levels of climate change. Are we willing to risk frying the planet to satisfy our appetite for meat and dairy?

If we shift towards plant-based diets and transition to regenerative agriculture, it is entirely possible to adjust our course and meet the Paris Agreement targets. As the leading international animal and welfare environmental charity, Compassion in World Farming (Compassion USA) urges companies to take a holistic system-wide approach to account for their animal footprint on climate, nature and health crises. We are particularly keen to discuss integrating measurable targets to reduce meat and other livestock products and incorporate sustainability plans with businesses.

This is an exciting time for food businesses–for innovation, investment, and being a part of a transformation towards a 'planetary resilient' food system. Compassion USA is evolving its work program with food companies to deliver a more resilient and sustainable food system that addresses people's needs, the planet and animals. Through extensive stakeholder collaboration, key interventions and practical tools, we help food businesses evaluate their current model, identify priority areas, build the business case for change and set strategies that are fit for the future. Our team of experts also helps food businesses measure progress, deliver higher animal welfare and remain relevant and credible to customers whose attitudes and tastes are changing at pace, thus protecting profitability, market performance and brand reputation.

Over time, these initiatives and strategies will reduce the production and consumption of farmed animals, rebalance the animal protein in your consumer offer, and help regenerate nature and restore biodiversity.