When we think of the causes of climate change, the first thing that comes to mind is often fossil fuel use for electricity production, transportation, or industry.

At the same time, an equally significant, yet far less recognized, contributor to climate change often gets short shrift: the global food system. A whopping 22–33% of all greenhouse gas emissions come from food, agriculture, and land (and ocean) use. 

Climate change has given us some sense of how interconnected we all are. 

Everyone taking climate action, no matter who you are or where you live, has a story to share. 

Part of my role leading Drawdown Stories, Project Drawdown’s storytelling and engagement program, is to pass the mic to those who too often go unheard in the climate space so they can share stories of climate action and solutions that resonate with their communities.

To stop climate and build a sustainable future, food matters – a lot! What we eat and how we grow it is responsible for around 20–35% of human-generated greenhouse gas emissions. 

In this presentation, Project Drawdown executive director Jonathan Foley shares a new framework for addressing climate change from food, agriculture, and land use. In addition, he offers a glimpse into a Project Drawdown initiative launching this year that will bring sharper focus to solutions in this space.