Are we the change we wish to see in the world?

As another year draws to a close – without stating the obvious – we are another year closer to 2050, the target to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions.

The global challenges facing agriculture frame every start-up pitch and underpin the narrative of so many in our industry, but there is little mention of the progress that all this innovation is making towards achieving the Big Goals.

So, we’d like to end the year on a positive note; progress IS being made – the research, the tech development, the changes in behaviour and practice are making a difference globally.

“A mirror and a compass”

A “global stock-take” in the Yearbook of Global Climate Action was published last month (Nov 2025) – a decade on from the landmark Paris Agreement (in which a coalition of countries agreed to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C).

Given that, in 2024, global average temperatures passed the 1.5°C threshold for the first time in a calendar year, with a high likelihood that the years ahead will be hotter still, the pressure is on for innovation, policy and practice to work together.

The reporting framework in the Yearbook enables progress on climate action to be tracked across many industries – including agriculture. Describing itself as a way for the global community to take a hard look at itself, as well as providing a direction of travel, the report reveals some insights into our journey to climate mitigation in agriculture.

As it turns out, there is some cause for optimism – at least at a global level. But certainly no room for complacency.

Yields up… and emissions down

On average, over the past decade, global crop yields have increased from 6.5 Tonnes/Ha to 6.8 T/Ha.

Meanwhile, global emissions from agricultural production, enteric rumination from livestock and emissions from fertiliser and manures have all dropped. The productivity of ruminant meat has also increased, meaning more meat with lower emissions, while overall consumption has also fallen.

So, heading in broadly the right direction.

Yet when we reflect on the record-breaking yield of nearly 18 T/Ha from Tim Lammyman in Lincolnshire in 2022, it’s clear there is still room for improvement. Not everyone is going to reach those dizzying yields, but the focus on productivity needs to double down.

And among those positive indicators, is some troubling lack of progress around food waste and malnourishment.

All to reflect on as we tuck into our festive fayre this holiday.

And in other news

While the report makes generally for sobering reading in places, it’s important to focus on the positives and acknowledge that change is happening – maybe not at the pace or scale needed, but it’s heading in the right direction.

The report also notes that:

“Farmers are adapting and responding to climate impacts and other shocks and stresses and implementing context-specific approaches, demonstrating results through farm- and landscape-level efforts.”

So, if you need a reason to raise a toast to a farmer this festive season, let’s focus on the positive, recognise we are all part of a global effort to try and improve, and vow to do even better in 2026 and beyond.

As Mahatma Gandhi famously said: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”