“Agriculture, Land Use and Climate Democracy” Conference

“Agriculture Land Use and Climate Democracy” Conference, organized by the Centre for Democracy and Peace in the MAC, Belfast, 14th October 2024 by Juanita Majury

John Sweeney, John Barry, John McCallister, David Rooney, Kiera O’Brien, Jane Corderoy, John McLenaghan, Ian Marshall

I was delighted to attend the “Agriculture Land Use and Climate Democracy” conference, organized by the Centre for Democracy and Peace, held on 14th October, 2024, at The MAC. It was a pleasure to reconnect with some of the experts who contributed to the events which took place in Season of Creation around International Day of Peace. The Conference was an opportunity to appreciate the input of Prof. John Barry and John McLenaghan  in a more formal setting. It was good to meet Jane Corderoy in person, having participated in a Zoom call hosted by her office and of course it was enriching to meet new people and hear their perspectives.

The Conference addressed the pressing challenges and opportunities of the climate transition, particularly focusing on the agriculture sector, land use, and democratic governance. The transition to net-zero presents a significant generational challenge, particularly in Ireland and the UK, where agriculture plays a critical role in emissions. The event, brought together prominent experts and policymakers, offering perspectives on climate policy, agriculture reform, and the role of democracy in fostering a just and inclusive climate transition.

Professor John Sweeney – Maynooth University
In his talk, “What’s at Stake? Who’s Responsibility? What is to be Done?”, Professor John Sweeney provided a stark analysis of the climate crisis, emphasizing the year 2024 as a critical point, with global temperatures soaring 1.45°C above pre-industrial levels. He pointed out how the impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events, are increasingly devastating. Sweeney argued that the richest nations, particularly industrialized countries, bear much of the responsibility for emissions, while poorer nations face the brunt of the consequences. He stressed the need for radical agricultural reforms, especially in Ireland, where livestock farming significantly contributes to emissions. His key message was a call for intergenerational solidarity and addressing climate injustice by rebalancing global resource allocation.

Ian Marshall OBE – Centre for Advanced Sustainable Energy, Queens University Belfast
Ian Marshall’s presentation, “Courageous Policy Making: Understanding the Blockers, Enablers, and the Options,” examined the hurdles in policy-making, particularly the short-termism in politics and the misinformation that shapes public opinion. Marshall emphasized the need for evidence-based decision-making and a systems approach where energy, agriculture, and transportation policies are interconnected. He argued that agriculture can contribute positively to both the climate and food security, but solutions must be realistic, reflecting the complexity of land management and the global demand for food production. He also advocated for creating new revenue streams for farmers, such as renewable energy production.

Professor John Barry – Queens University Belfast
In his talk, “Democracy as Non-Violent Disagreement: Societal Challenges and Dealing with Public Discourse,” Professor John Barry explored the role of conflict in democratic processes, arguing that political disagreement is essential for healthy democracy. He emphasized the importance of including all stakeholders in the climate transition, particularly in sectors like agriculture, where policy changes may lead to winners and losers. Barry underscored that climate solutions should not be imposed but co-created with those affected. He drew parallels with Northern Ireland’s peace process to illustrate how inclusive dialogue can lead to societal transformation.

John McCallister – Land Mobility, Young Farmers Clubs of Ulster
John McCallister focused on the critical role of farmers in addressing climate change and food security. He highlighted the disconnection between public expectations and political decision-making, particularly in Northern Ireland’s subsidized water services and unrealistic environmental targets. McCallister argued that farmers are essential to climate solutions but should not be unfairly burdened by unrealistic expectations. He advocated for policies that support collaboration and a balanced approach to land use that ensures both environmental sustainability and food security.

John McLenaghan – Ulster Farmers Union
John McLenaghan’s talk centred on the complex relationship between farmers and climate democracy. He criticized the lack of engagement with farmers in the climate transition, arguing that real democracy requires the inclusion of all voices. McLenaghan pointed to the growing pressure on farmers due to environmental regulations but warned against unfairly penalizing the agricultural sector. He called for a fair, collaborative approach where farmers are recognized as part of the solution, particularly through innovations in regenerative farming and carbon sequestration.

Jane Corderoy – DAERA Climate Change and Green Growth Policy Division
Jane Corderoy provided a legislative update, emphasizing the ambitious targets set by the Northern Ireland Climate Change Act. She discussed the carbon budgets, the focus on land use, and the role of agriculture in meeting Northern Ireland’s net-zero goals. Corderoy highlighted the challenges posed by land availability and the competing demands for land use. She also detailed initiatives to incentivize carbon farming and improve soil health through regenerative practices, stressing the need for collaboration across sectors to meet these goals.

Kiera O’Brien – US Environmental Protection Agency National Environmental Youth Advisory Council
Kiera O’Brien’s address on “Climate Coalition-Building” highlighted the importance of inclusive policy-making, particularly involving young people and marginalized communities. O’Brien stressed that youth movements play a pivotal role in climate action and that carbon policies should prioritize equity and social justice. She emphasized that developed nations bear a significant responsibility in the global fight against climate change and called for bold, inclusive policies that benefit all sectors of society, particularly those most vulnerable to climate impacts.

Professor David Rooney – Queens University Belfast
In his keynote, “A Just Revolution,” Professor David Rooney discussed the need for innovation in agriculture and energy systems to meet the climate challenge. He called for a “Just Revolution,” where technological advancements are paired with social justice to ensure equitable benefits. Rooney emphasized the need for urgent action and stakeholder engagement, urging Northern Ireland to lead by example in integrating renewable energy with sustainable farming practices. He concluded by stressing that innovation must be driven by principles of justice and inclusivity to address the global climate crisis effectively.

Conclusion
The “Agriculture Land Use and Climate Democracy” conference brought to light the critical intersection of agriculture, land use, and democratic governance in the fight against climate change. The speakers underscored the importance of inclusive policy-making, intergenerational solidarity, and innovative solutions that balance environmental, economic, and social needs. A recurring theme was the call for collaboration across sectors, ensuring that the transition to a low-carbon future is both just and effective. By addressing the unique challenges of agriculture and land use in Northern Ireland, the conference provided valuable insights for broader climate action.

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