Revolutionizing the Future of Food: Climate Bonds Standard Embraces Alternative Proteins

The Climate Bonds Standard is making a pivotal move by expanding its scope to include the rapidly growing alternative protein sector. This strategic decision marks a crucial step in addressing the pressing environmental challenges posed by traditional livestock agriculture and paves the way for a more sustainable and resilient food system. By establishing robust best practice standards for alternative proteins, the Climate Bonds Initiative aims to unlock investment opportunities and accelerate the agri-food transition towards innovative and eco-friendly protein sources.

Unlocking a Greener Future for Food

Tackling the Environmental Footprint of Food Systems

Livestock agriculture is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity loss, accounting for approximately 60% of emissions from the food system and 12-20% of all greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Despite this considerable environmental impact, animal-based foods provide only 17% of the world's calories and 38% of its protein. With projections indicating a 50% increase in global meat consumption by 2050, the urgency to address these impacts is undeniable.Alternative proteins, including plant-based options like beans and tofu, as well as innovative solutions such as cultivated meat, offer a promising pathway to significantly reduce the environmental footprint of our food systems. The new criteria developed by the Climate Bonds Initiative will establish essential production best practice standards and procurement guidelines for alternative protein producers, food retailers, and other stakeholders. These guidelines will ensure alignment with a 1.5°C climate pathway, paving the way for access to credible green finance and fostering sustainable growth within the sector.

Aligning the Agri-Food Sector with Global Climate Objectives

The expansion of the Climate Bonds Standard to include alternative proteins is a decisive step towards aligning the agri-food sector with global climate objectives. By guiding investments towards sustainable practices, supporting the greening of the financial sector, and fostering a climate-resilient future, this initiative aims to drive substantial progress towards food supply chains that safeguard both climate and biodiversity.

Comprehensive and Impactful Criteria

The Alternative Proteins Criteria developed by the Climate Bonds Initiative will focus on two primary areas:1. Substitution of Animal Source Foods: Promoting the production and consumption of lower-impact alternative proteins to replace high-impact animal source foods, with a particular emphasis on ruminant meats like beef, which have the highest carbon and land footprints.2. Mitigation of Alternative Protein Impacts: Reducing emissions associated with alternative protein production by focusing on renewable energy use, low-impact raw materials sourcing, and effective waste management.These criteria will prioritize climate and land-use impact while also addressing other environmental concerns such as water pollution. By aligning with existing standards and recent policy developments, the criteria aim to drive substantial progress towards food supply chains that safeguard both climate and biodiversity.

Convening Experts to Develop Robust Standards

The development of these criteria is supported by a distinguished Technical Working Group (TWG) and the Industrial Working Group (IWG), composed of experts from diverse fields. Each member contributes their expertise and insights to ensure the criteria are comprehensive and effective in driving the agri-food transition.The TWG includes renowned experts from organizations such as CGIAR, Stockholm Environment Institute, FAIRR, Asia Research & Engagement, Rainforest Alliance, ProVeg International, UNEP, Asian Institute of Technology, and the Global Environment Facility. The IWG brings together innovators and leaders from companies like Avant, Synthesis Capital, GFI, Sophie Bionutrients, Plant Futures, Cellulaire Agricultuur Nederland, Plant Based Foods Association, Lever, World Economic Forum, EIT Food, ING, and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development.This collaborative effort ensures that the Alternative Proteins Criteria are grounded in the latest research, industry insights, and best practices, positioning the Climate Bonds Standard as a powerful tool to drive the transformation of the agri-food sector.

Building a Climate-Resilient Food Future

The Climate Bonds Standard's expansion into the alternative proteins sector is a significant step towards creating a more sustainable and resilient food system. By establishing robust criteria, unlocking green finance, and fostering collaboration among industry experts, this initiative aims to accelerate the transition towards a future where alternative proteins play a crucial role in reducing the environmental impact of our food choices.As the world grapples with the challenges of population growth, climate change, and biodiversity loss, the Climate Bonds Standard's embrace of alternative proteins offers a glimmer of hope. By aligning investments and industry practices with global climate objectives, this groundbreaking move has the potential to catalyze a fundamental shift in the way we produce, consume, and think about the food we eat.