Leading scientists, policymakers, agricultural specialists, and climate experts from around the world gathered in Rome for a high-level meeting organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to address the growing challenges facing global agriculture in a changing climate.
The meeting focused on climate adaptation, greenhouse gas emissions reduction, and the development of sustainable food systems, forming part of broader preparations for upcoming international climate assessments. Participants discussed the latest scientific findings and explored strategies to help agriculture remain productive while reducing its environmental footprint.
Agriculture is both affected by and contributes to climate change. Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, floods, and extreme weather events are increasingly threatening crop production and livestock systems worldwide. At the same time, the agricultural sector remains a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the need for balanced solutions that protect food security while supporting climate goals.
Experts emphasized that adapting agriculture to climate change is becoming an urgent priority. Discussions highlighted the importance of developing drought-tolerant crop varieties, improving water management systems, strengthening soil health, and expanding the adoption of climate-smart farming practices. Such measures can help farmers maintain productivity despite increasingly unpredictable weather conditions.
A major theme of the conference was the transformation of food systems to make them more sustainable and resilient. Participants examined ways to reduce food loss and waste, improve resource efficiency, and encourage environmentally responsible production methods across the agricultural value chain. Strengthening food systems is viewed as essential for meeting the nutritional needs of a growing global population while minimizing environmental impacts.
Scientists also presented research on the role of agriculture in reducing emissions. Improved livestock management, precision fertilizer application, conservation agriculture, and agroforestry were among the practices discussed as potential tools for lowering greenhouse gas emissions without compromising farm productivity. Many experts stressed that innovation and technology will play a crucial role in achieving these objectives.
Policymakers attending the event highlighted the importance of international cooperation in addressing climate-related agricultural challenges. Climate change affects countries differently, but many of the underlying issues—such as water scarcity, land degradation, and food insecurity are shared across regions. Collaborative research, knowledge exchange, and coordinated policy action were identified as key components of effective long-term solutions.
The gathering also provided an opportunity to review progress on global climate commitments and assess how agricultural policies can better support adaptation and mitigation efforts. Findings and recommendations from the discussions are expected to contribute to future climate assessments and policy frameworks.
Experts warned that without accelerated action, climate-related risks could increasingly threaten global food production and rural livelihoods. However, they also noted that agriculture has significant potential to become part of the solution through sustainable practices and innovation.
As preparations continue for future climate assessments, the collaboration between the FAO and IPCC underscores the growing recognition that climate resilience and food security are closely interconnected. Strengthening agricultural systems today will be critical to ensuring sustainable food production and environmental stability in the decades ahead.
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