COP26 as the convergence of the corporate food-climate agendas

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper combines direct observation of the COP26 and the analysis of the official documents to conclude that, despite the limited attention that food systems received in the official statements, food systems and food systems governance were key. Large scale food corporations were among the main sponsors of the Conference, few events were organised where techno-optimism and private-public partnerships were proposed as silver bullets for both the food and climate agendas, and pledges were made that may have a significant impact on the future of food. Food was not missing. What was missing was the engagement with the root causes of the problems, the recognition of the socio-ecological complexity of food systems, and the commitment to address power imbalances and capitalism as part of the problem. In light of this convergence and the intensification of the food and climate crises, will environmental and food activists join forces and be capable of reclaiming spaces and narratives that have been co-opted by corporate actors and their reformist agendas?