A new campaign for a fair transition towards net zero kicked-off this month.
Called Fairmiles, the campaign calls on policy makers from government and the private sector to consider sustainability impacts on developing countries when pursuing carbon reduction strategies which seek to minimise so-called ‘food miles’ or airfreighted produce.
The implementation of carbon reduction policies which target air-freighted fresh produce can disproportionately curtail opportunities for low-carbon agricultural products that support livelihoods in developing nations. This trade is a lifeline for millions of individuals in some of the world’s most impoverished and vulnerable communities, thus underscoring the need for carbon reduction policies to attain climate justice.
The kick-off was attended by 15 organisations representing African fresh produce businesses, the air cargo industry, academia and the international development sector.
The campaign aims to engage key stakeholders in the retail, government and charity sectors to highlight the importance of maintaining crucial trade links with developing countries and to make recommendations for reducing emissions without marginalising vulnerable communities.
Fairmiles has been formed in partnership between Blue Skies, Air France-KLM, the University of Northampton and Beanstalk.Global.