[Press release] Food Secure Canada welcomes IPCC report

MONTREAL - August 9, 2019 - Food Secure Canada welcomes the release of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s new report, entitled Climate Change and Land, an IPCC special report on climate change, desertification, land degradation, sustainable land management, food security, and greenhouse gas fluxes in terrestrial ecosystems. This builds on the EAT-Lancet Commission’s report earlier this year, which reminded us that “food is the single strongest lever to optimize human health and environmental sustainability on Earth.”

Food Secure Canada has been advocating for a healthy, just and sustainable food system for over 18 years. “The report argues that an urgent, drastic overhaul of the way we produce and eat food is needed to both mitigate and adapt to climate change, and prevent further land degradation,” said Food Secure Canada’s Executive Director, Gisèle Yasmeen. Furthermore, she noted that the report provides policy recommendations for the world to move toward sustainable land-use and management practices, healthy and sustainable diets and to focus on addressing food insecurity through poverty reduction. "We recognize that transition to a more sustainable food system in Canada will require support, particularly for small food producers and processors who are the backbone of the Canadian food and agricultural system,” she elaborated.

The report, authored by top scientists from both the North and South, underscores the role between the current global food system and greenhouse gas emissions. Scientists outlined that climate change is affecting all four pillars of food security including availability, access, utilization and stability. It also drew on Indigenous and local knowledge as part of the analysis.

“This report has clearly shown that climate change has already had devastating impacts. The policy decisions and actions we make today, in Canada and around the world, are more important than ever before. We need sound, integrated and responsive policy that involves Indigenous Peoples and those most affected by climate change at the decision-making table,“ said Melana Roberts, Chair of Food Secure Canada. “A strong commitment to the successful implementation of the new Food Policy for Canada and associated Healthy Eating Strategy, as well as greater attention to biodiversity, soil health and protection of our water could help catapult Canada’s contribution to this urgent challenge,” she added.

Building a better food future will require ongoing changes in Canadian policy. Food Secure Canada, along with our partners and allies, is committed to pushing for the necessary policies, programs, and targets that will truly raise the bar, creating a more just, healthy and sustainable food system for all.

-30-

About Food Secure Canada:

Food Secure Canada is a pan-Canadian alliance of organizations and individuals working together to advance food security and food sovereignty through three interlocking goals: zero hunger, healthy and safe food, and sustainable food systems.

For media requests: