If you're concerned about climate change, you've probably heard of the IPCC
…but what exactly is it, and what does it have to do with plant-based food and Thailand? Let’s break it down!
The IPCC, or Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, is a group of experts from around the world who study climate change and its impacts. They produce reports that summarise the latest scientific research and provide guidance on how we can address the problem.
So, what did the most recent report, known as the AR6, have to say about plant-based food? Well, it turns out that our food system is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and other negative environmental impacts. Specifically, animal agriculture and the production of animal-based products are significant contributors to climate change, deforestation, and biodiversity loss.
But the situation is more urgent than ever before. The IPCC report states that global greenhouse gas emissions need to be reduced by 50% by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050 to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and avoid the worst impacts of climate change. The clock is ticking, and every year counts.
Thailand, like many countries around the world, has a lot to gain from making the shift towards plant-based diets and sustainable food systems. But it also has a lot to lose if it doesn’t act. Thailand is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, with rising temperatures, more frequent and intense droughts and floods, and other impacts that threaten its economy, natural resources, and human health.
According to the report, Thailand is already experiencing rising temperatures, more frequent and intense heatwaves, droughts, and floods. These climate impacts are expected to worsen in the future, with significant negative impacts on the country’s economy, natural resources, and human health. For example, climate change is expected to reduce crop yields and quality, particularly in the country’s central and northern regions, which could have severe impacts on food security and the livelihoods of farmers.
By promoting plant-based diets and sustainable food systems, Thailand can help to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, protect its natural resources, and improve the health and well-being of its people. This could include investments in local food production, supporting farmers who grow fruits and vegetables, and promoting plant-based options in schools, hospitals, and other public institutions.
But the window of opportunity is closing fast. Thailand must act now to avoid the worst impacts of climate change and secure a sustainable future for its people. By shifting towards plant-based diets and sustainable food systems, Thailand can help to protect the planet, improve its own resilience to climate change, and set an example for the rest of the world to follow. The time to act is now.
