19 May 2022
There’s a message that I will keep repeating because it’s so important, and it needs to gain more traction across the globe. We will not fix climate change until we fix the food system. It’s one of the major hurdles we need to beat if we’re to achieve our vision of a thriving world in which climate change is no longer a problem.
It’s why WRAP’s Courtauld Commitment 2030 is striving to achieve a 50% absolute reduction in GHG emissions associated with food and drink consumed in the UK by 2030. It’s ambitious, but we can’t afford to be anything less.
We have to be able to measure the GHG emissions of food, in a consistent way, if we are going to achieve this. But we know from our discussions with businesses that measuring those emissions has been really challenging for them. There has been no consistent methodology for measuring the carbon footprint for food and drink. Which is where WRAP and Courtauld 2030 come in.
Today we have published the world’s first methodology to accurately measure and report food and drink GHG emissions consistently. It’s groundbreaking stuff. Our Scope 3 Measurement and Reporting Protocols provide a level playing field to make action and innovation in tackling carbon emissions from food and drink easier for businesses.
Businesses are telling us that they need expert direction in tackling this issue.There is pressure from customers, investors, and governments for action. It’s been a significant gap, but one I knew that WRAP could lead the way in addressing. Food system change is where our passion and our expertise lies. I see it through the work that my team is delivering every day. We have the evidence and expertise to know where the real potential for impact lies, and we have the partners on board to make system-wide change happen.
We know that there is a global audience looking for these answers too. I’m really excited to see how the Protocols develop and how the insights we gain from our pilots turn them into a world-leading toolkit in the fight against climate change.
I’m delighted to say that we have several pioneering businesses already working with us on this journey. Fifteen Courtauld 2030 signatories will test the Protocols in a pilot phase and help us accelerate action in this crucial area. Their participation is invaluable, and we’re very grateful to be working with them. We need more businesses to take up the Protocols if we are to achieve the Courtauld 2030 target.
So I would urge you to take a look at the Protocols and the accompanying resources. Everything you need to know has gone live on our website today – whether it’s a high-level overview you’re looking for, or all of the detail. We’re confident that this work is a major part of the answer to a more sustainable food system and we’re really keen to get your feedback.