2023 UN Climate Change Conference (COP28)

PBPC joined the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties in 2023 (COP28), to highlight the part the agriculture bioeconomy has in addressing the adverse impacts of climate change, facilitating the transition toward renewable energy sources, integrating solutions for sustainable agriculture, and protecting, conserving, and restoring nature and ecosystems. COP28 was the first time that “Food & Ag” had a dedicated day in the thematic program, and the conference facilitated a series of outcomes at the intersection of climate change, food and agricultural production systems, and food and nutrition security. Another important outcome was a commitment to transition the world’s energy systems away from fossil fuels. Plant-based products are well-positioned to play an important role in this transition.

PBPC’s Director of Sustainability & Environmental Affairs, Jamaica Gayle, joined speakers and members from Cargill, Mars, European Business Council for Sustainable Energy, and Trane Technologies to explore how building a circular economy will ensure the long-term success of both the energy transition and decarbonizing our economies.

More than 150 countries endorsed the UAE Declaration on Sustainable Agriculture, Resilient Food Systems, And Climate Action, committing to including agricultural emissions in their next round of climate targets, taking place in 2025. This declaration highlights the significant role of agricultural and food systems in offering innovative responses to climate change and the importance of engaging in the discussion. 

The next conference (COP29) will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan.

2022 UN Climate Change Conference (COP27)

PBPC joined the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties in 2022 (COP27), to elevate the role plant-based products and a circular economy can play in addressing climate change. Plant-based products are crucial to reducing our reliance on fossil fuels in order to make so many of the products we rely on every day. COP27 was held Nov. 6-18, 2022, in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt, where world leaders convened to take action towards the climate goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. PBPC partnered with allied organizations, including the Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE), to host a virtual exhibit and side event to bring PBPC’s message to this international community.

From left to right: Harry Verhaar, Head, Global Public and Government Affairs, Signify; Rama Dunayevich, Global Impact Partnership Lead, Autodesk; John Bode, Board Member, PBPC; Emily Duncan, Vice President Government Relations, National Grid; Lisa Jacobson, President, BSCE

PBPC Board Member, John Bode, participated in a discussion on Integrating Across Sectors: Business Leaders in Energy, Buildings, & Circular Economy. Watch the video below to learn more.

2021 UN Climate Change Conference (COP26)

The 2021 UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) focused on reaching the goals of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. During the meeting, PBPC partnered with allied organizations, including BCSE and US Green Building Council, to host a virtual exhibit and side event where we highlighted the role of plant-based products and a circular economy in addressing climate change.

Watch PBPC Executive Director, Jessica Bowman, as she discussed how plant-based products support a “net-zero” future with BCSE President, Lisa Jacobson.

View the side event: “Powering Forward in the Critical Decade: Business Leaders in Energy, Building & Circular Economy” below.


How Plant-Based Products Can Help Address Goals from the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26)

How Plant-Based Products Can Help Address Goals from the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26)
In 2021, the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) brought stakeholders together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. As a leading association helping guide the shift to a circular economy, PBPC encouraged the discussions and actions that countries planned to make to reduce emissions and reach a “net-zero” future together – especially through the increased adoption of plant-based products. A circular economy works to eliminate waste and extend the useful life of products and materials, and plant-based products can help close this circular loop. It starts with renewable inputs – like plant-based feedstocks including hemp, sugar beet, and algae – which are then converted into renewable chemicals and materials.