Report proposes stronger action on climate change policy
A report, published by the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change, outlines how the shifting climate is already disrupting agriculture across Europe, reinforcing the urgency for stronger policy action.
To protect food security, farmers’ livelihoods and rural communities, the Advisory Board proposes six areas of policy action.
Dr Vera Eory, Reader in Sustainable Agriculture at SRUC and a member of the Advisory Board, emphasised the importance of the report beyond the EU: “The report brings up important and urgent action points for policy makers and stakeholders, in a coherent set of recommendations. It is highly relevant to the UK and Scotland, given both the similarities and the trade relations with the EU.”
Rising temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events, including droughts, floods, heatwaves, pests and diseases, are increasingly affecting agricultural productivity, ecosystem services and rural livelihoods. At the same time, the agri-food system accounts for roughly a third of EU greenhouse gas emissions, which have declined much more slowly than those in other sectors of the economy.
Drawing on the latest scientific evidence, the Advisory Board presents recommendations aimed at “climate-proofing” the agri-food system. The report highlights the need for a systemic transition that strengthens resilience to climate impacts while reducing emissions and supporting wider environmental, economic and social objectives.
Among its key recommendations are reforms to agricultural subsidies, stronger signals to reduce emissions (including a dedicated pricing mechanism), improved support for farmers adapting to climate risks, and measures to promote sustainable diets and reduce food waste.
The Advisory Board concludes that current progress is not aligned with the EU’s 2040 and 2050 climate objectives and that existing policies are insufficient to deliver the transformation required.
The report argues that upcoming revisions to the EU budget, the Common Agricultural Policy and the 2031–2040 climate framework offer a critical opportunity to better align agricultural policy with climate goals and strengthen the sector’s resilience to climate risks.
The Advisory Board will host a public webinar on Friday, 13 March at 2pm. The Advisory Board will present the new report and answer questions from participants. You can sign up for the public webinar here.
Posted by SRUC on 12/03/2026
