COP29: A missed chance to transform global food systems and combat climate change

While the US$300 billion commitment marks progress on paper, it is a mere fraction of the US$1.3 trillion called for and which economists have identified as critical to mitigate the catastrophic impacts of climate change, safeguard vulnerable communities, protect wildlife and stop industrial scale animal suffering.  

Kelly Dent, Director of External Engagement for World Animal Protection, who attended the summit in Azerbaijan, said:  

COP29 will be remembered as the ‘great finance escape.’ After two weeks of contentious negotiations riddled with delay tactics and watered-down ambition, developed nations have once again shirked their responsibilities, offering little more than a token gesture while the planet burns and millions of humans and animals suffer. 

This wasn’t just about keeping 1.5°C alive—it was also about justice for those who feed the world yet face abandonment, for ecosystems teetering on collapse, and for billions of animals suffering in the profit-driven, climate-wrecking machine of industrial farming. 

Instead, we’ve been left with tokenism masquerading as solutions, while the biodiversity crisis accelerates, habitats are destroyed, animals suffer and entire communities are left defenceless against the escalating impacts of climate change.

A failure to address the root cause - industrial agriculture 

The emissions from global food systems remain the single largest contributor to climate change, yet COP29 failed to address this critical sector adequately. Industrial agriculture—particularly factory farming— a root cause of climate changing, fuelling emissions, destroying habitats, deepening food insecurity and perpetuating animal cruelty on a staggering inhumane scale. 

Dent emphasised the urgent need for transformative change. She added: 

We cannot continue to prop up a system that drives climate collapse, biodiversity loss, and human suffering. Sustainable, humane and equitable agroecological practices must replace the destructive industrial agriculture model. These solutions not only address the climate crisis but also stop the suffering of billions of animals trapped in factory farms.

Big Ag's stranglehold on the climate debate 

While the Harmoniya Climate Initiative launched at COP29 offers some hope, its potential is overshadowed by the outsized influence of industry lobbyists.  

Dent called out the pervasive role of Big Agriculture in shaping false solutions. She said: 

The voices of small-scale producers—the very people who hold the keys to sustainable food systems—are being drowned out by industry lobbyists protecting profits over the planet. The UNFCCC must act decisively to cut Big Ag’s influence if it hopes to salvage credibility ahead of COP30 in Belem.

A call for ambitious, strong leadership at future COPs 

Despite the glaring failures of COP29, World Animal Protection is resolute in its mission to drive meaningful change.  

Dent said:

Leaders have a stark choice: step up and deliver real action in the coming months or bear full responsibility for a planet undone. Belem will be a defining moment—the world is watching, and it demands courage, ambition and accountability.

World Animal Protection will continue to push for a just transition to food systems that prioritise human well-being, protect animals, and secure a sustainable future for all life on Earth. 

The stakes have never been higher. It’s time for leaders to act—or face the devastating consequences of their inaction.