A race against time and against ourselves. Against the dangerous idea that we can’t do this, that there is no way.
Unlike most races, it won’t have one winner. In this race we all win, or we all lose. Winning it requires a radical, unprecedented level of collaboration, from all corners of our world. From our cities, businesses, regions and investors. From people everywhere.
Together we’re racing for a better world. A zero carbon and resilient world. A healthier, safer, fairer world. A world of wellbeing, abundance and joy, where the air is fresher, our jobs are well-paid and dignified, and our future is clear.
To get there we need to run fast, and get faster. We need more and more people to join the race, and right now. This is not about 2050, it’s about today.
Together, we can do this. And we’re already on our way.
Driving transformative food systems action for people nature and climate
Launched at COP28, the Food Systems Call to Action has brought together a growing coalition of influential groups, from farmers and frontline communities to global businesses and philanthropies, united by a vision to transform food systems for the benefit of people, nature, and climate.
Since its launch, the Call to Action has catalyzed significant commitments across food and agriculture sectors. Endorsers have pledged concrete actions, from reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting regenerative agriculture to funding sustainable food initiatives.
One year on, momentum continues to build. These commitments have begun shaping actionable pathways and influencing policy, reinforcing the urgency of aligning food systems with climate goals.
The Call to Action remains open for new signatories.
Developed through a consultative process in 2023, the Food Systems CtA is a 2-page text available in 7 languages that highlights ten priority actions and four principles to unlock the transformative potential of food systems.
There is a groundswell of action happening across food systems transformation solution areas. Farmers are demonstrating results through farm and landscape-level efforts. Businesses are setting science-based targets that include land-based emission reductions and removals through the Forest, Land and Agriculture Science-Based Target-Setting Guidance (SBTi FLAG). Financial institutions are developing blended finance mechanisms to de-risk agricultural investments and catalyse more private capital. Cities are using their public procurement powers to increase access to healthy, locally-appropriate foods. Civil society and philanthropy are providing support to a range of efforts to build the knowledge and evidence base and scale action. Click on the case studies below to learn more about real action on the ground.
Multi-stakeholder action drives sustainable rice and shrimp farming through nature-positive solutions
The Integrated Rice and Shrimp Farming initiative in the Mekong Delta brings together farmers, businesses, civil society, and local governments to implement a nature-positive solution aimed at improving agricultural sustainability and climate resilience.
Preserving biodiversity through Amazigh cultural practices and seed conservation in Morocco’s High Atlas
The Moroccan Biodiversity and Livelihoods Association (MBLA) was established to safeguard the natural and cultural heritage of the High Atlas Mountains while promoting sustainable livelihoods for rural communities.
Innovative incentive models empower soy farmers to eliminate deforestation and land conversion
The Farmer First Clusters Initiative is a collaborative effort to eliminate deforestation and land conversion driven by soy production in the Brazilian Cerrado.
FOLU Indonesia develops national food loss and waste standard calculation method
FOLU Indonesia (locally known as Koalisi Sistem Pangan Lestari/KSPL), supported by the National Food Agency and the National Planning and Development Ministry, has developed a national Food Loss and Waste (FLW) Standard Calculation Method.
FOLU Indonesia develops national food loss and waste standard calculation method
FOLU Indonesia (locally known as Koalisi Sistem Pangan Lestari/KSPL), supported by the National Food Agency and the National Planning and Development Ministry, has developed a national Food Loss and Waste (FLW) Standard Calculation Method.
Transitioning to sustainable cattle, soy and bioeconomy production
IFACC aims to secure $10 billion in commitments and $1 billion in disbursements by 2025 to support sustainable agricultural practices in the Amazon, Cerrado and Chaco.
Philanthropic commitment to scale and accelerate regenerative and agroecological food systems transformation (RAFT)
RAFT is a collaborative initiative between 32 philanthropic partners aiming to accelerate and scale regenerative and agroecological approaches to transform global food systems we’re highlighting to show momentum as part of our Food Systems Call to Action.
Headline Samoan communities revive fisheries with customary fishing rights
The Samoan Safata District Customary User Rights Program is a community-based initiative focused on sustainable fisheries management within the Safata District’s traditional fishing grounds.
Private sector investments and meaningful partnerships drive regenerative agriculture adoption in the U.S Midwest
The Midwest Row Crop Collaborative (MRCC) focuses on promoting regenerative agriculture practices to improve soil health, water quality, and climate resilience while supporting farmer livelihoods across the Midwest and Mississippi River Basin.
Assessing natural farming through a wider lens: insights from India
The Andhra Pradesh Community-Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) program is a large-scale agroecological transformation initiative aimed at promoting sustainable farming practices among 6 million farmers over 6 million hectares in Andhra Pradesh, India.
Dutch supermarket focuses on plant-based diets and sustainable supply chains to accelerate CO2 reduction.
Albert Heijn, the largest grocery retailer in the Netherlands, aims to significantly reduce CO2 emissions across its value chains, raising their reduction target to 45% by 2030.
Harnessing collective purchasing power for affordable and sustainable food access
Mumbai Grahak Panchayat (MGP) is a consumer-driven collective purchasing organization, established to provide households with affordable, healthy, and sustainable food options through the power of collective buying.
Cities steering the race to healthy, sustainable diets
The “C40:Good Food Cities” Accelerator aims to reduce the carbon footprint of food in cities by promoting plant-based diets and reducing food waste. New York City is part of this effort through its Health + Hospitals system, which prepares 15,000 meals daily for public hospitals and nursing homes.
Tackling post-harvest tomato loss in Ethiopia with innovative supply chain solutions
Context: Reducing post-harvest losses is critical to improving food security, nutritional outcomes, and economic stability in regions reliant on agriculture like Ethiopia. Partners: Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture, local agricultural universities, various public and private sector stakeholders. Duration: 2018 – 2021 Location: Ethiopia, specifically targeting supply chains between Maki and […]
Black Soldier Flies: Affordable and sustainable solution for fertilisers in Kenya
The project, a partnership between The Rockefeller Foundation and the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), focuses on promoting Black Soldier Fly (BSF) larvae as a sustainable and cost-effective protein source for animal feed in Kenya.
UK farmer transforms farming with fewer chemicals and healthier soils
Context: Reducing chemical use and soil disturbance is essential to preserve biodiversity, improve soil health, and promote more sustainable farming practices for long-term agricultural resilience. Partners: The Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN), Anglian Water, The Country Trust. Duration: Ongoing (The case study does not specify exact start and end dates, but it reflects changes made […]
Danone leads the way with first-ever Methane reduction target in the dairy industry
Danone, a global leader in the food industry, has launched an ambitious initiative to reduce methane emissions from its fresh milk supply chain by 30% by 2030, against a 2020 baseline, aligning with the Global Methane Pledge introduced at COP26.
SEKEM initiative empowers Egyptian farmers to build resilient and sustainable agricultural systems
The SEKEM Initiative, established almost 50 years ago, focuses on regenerative development through biodynamic and organic agriculture, along with socio-economic and cultural initiatives.
Razan Al Mubarak: By transforming our food systems we can feed the world, help deliver on our climate goals, and restore nature
At Climate Week NYC, Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, calls on all actors to step up to transform food systems ahead of Climate Summit in UAE.
Future proofing food for people and planet at the second UN Food Systems Summit
The scorching heat currently engulfing Rome serves as a stark backdrop to our discussions here at the second UN Food Systems Summit. Held within these ancient city walls, this conference is a timely reminder that our actions today will shape the future of our planet and generations yet to come. The science is clear – we need to transform our food system, urgently, to deliver for people and the planet.
Dr. Susan Chomba on Africa’s role in the climate crisis: Opportunities, challenges, and the path forward
Ahead of Africa Climate Week, Dr. Susan Chomba, Director of Vital Landscapes for Africa at WRI, discusses Africa’s unique position in the climate dialogue, the potential for transformative food systems, and the urgent need for regenerative practices.
Blending culinary excellence with sustainability is not just possible – it’s profitable: Bálamo’s story
A Madrid-based restaurant, supported by Race to Zero Accelerator, Hostelería #PorElClima, shows that green innovation in the hospitality industry can reduce emissions and save costs.