EDF at COP30: Schedule of events

This TED Countdown House event features EDF President Fred Krupp and journalist Akshat Rathi, author of the book, Climate Capitalism, in conversation with Countdown’s founder Lindsay Levin. Can a new mindset of building tomorrow’s economy faster and more affordably cut through and win around the world?

• Fred Krupp, President, Environmental Defense Fund
• Akshat Rathi, Author, Climate Capitalism
• Lindsay Levin, Founder, TED Countdown

Organized by the Climate and Clean Air Coalition and International Rice Research Institute, this session will explore underutilized technical and financial measures for reducing methane emissions from rice systems, while highlighting their cobenefits for productivity, resilience and farmer livelihoods. It will bring together scientists, policymakers, development partners and farmers’ representatives to discuss scalable solutions for low-emission rice cultivation.

• Jennifer Chow, Senior Director, Climate-Resilient Food Systems, Environmental Defense Fund
• Martina Otto, Head of Secretariat, Climate and Clean Air Coalition
• Kenta Matsumoto, Section Chief of the International Strategy Division, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Japan
• Bjoern Ole Sander, Country Representative - Thailand and Senior Scientist for Climate Change, International Rice Research Institute

Climate change is already reshaping markets and business models. Companies and governments are under pressure to adopt adaptation strategies that reduce risk and create new opportunities. Technology is central to this shift, from advanced climate data and AI-driven risk modeling to resilient infrastructure and agri-tech innovation. Equally important are the policy frameworks, public-private partnerships and procurement practices to drive demand for adaptation solutions. This session will explore the unique roles of businesses, investors and policymakers in accelerating the climate resilience transition.

• Fred Krupp, President, Environmental Defense Fund
• Mekala Krishnan, Partner, McKinsey Global Institute
• Pedro Pereira, Chief Sustainability Officer, Latin America and Caribbean, SAP
• Vera Pinto Pereira, Executive Board Member, EDP

This plenary panel explores how livestock systems can support the 1.5 degree-Celsius climate target while addressing food security and livelihoods for 1.3 billion people dependent on animal agriculture. The discussion examines innovations in livestock health, breeding and feed that deliver “triple wins” for climate mitigation, nutrition and farmer livelihoods, bringing together diverse perspectives on pathways that balance food systems, climate goals and sustainable development. Learn more about events at the Action on Food Hub Pavilion.

• Pamela Ruiter, Director, Global Agriculture Methane, Environmental Defense Fund
• Donald Moore, Executive Director, Global Dairy Platform
• Bernard Kimoro, Head of Climate Change and Livestock Sustainability, State Department for Livestock, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development of Kenya
• Amanda Roza, Technical Advisor, Brazilian Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock
• Alex Rinkus, Director, Communications and Stakeholder Engagement, HealthForAnimals
• Chris Adamo, Head of Global Sustainability Impact and B Corp, Danone
• Elizabeth Nsimadala, Uganda, East African Farmers Federation

This high-level roundtable will spotlight the COP30 Action Agenda Plan to Accelerate Regenerative Agriculture for Healthy Soil and Healthy Diets, a tactical, time-bound roadmap to move from ambition to implementation. The session is hosted by the Coalition of Action 4 Soil Health, Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry, GIZ and SNV Netherlands Development Organisation. It will explore four strategic pillars — measurement, markets and incentives, financing, and policy integration — to identify practical solutions, strengthen enabling environments and drive coherent action across the Rio Conventions and Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more about events at the Action on Food Hub Pavilion.

• Jennifer Chow, Senior Director, Climate-Resilient Food Systems, Environmental Defense Fund
• Leigh Winowiecki, Theme Leader, Soil and Land Health, Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry; Co-Lead, Coalition of Action 4 Soil Health
• Harko Koster, Global Lead, Climate and Food Systems, SNV Netherlands Development Organisation
• Sara Farley, Vice President, Global Food Portfolio, Rockefeller Foundation
• Fede Bellone, Programme Manager, Rockefeller Foundation
• Glindys Virginia Luciano, Project Manager, International and Strategic Relations, EIT Food, Action on Food Hub
• Edoardo Corriere, Coordinator, Policy and Programs, Young Professionals for Agricultural Development
• Matheus Alves Zanella, Senior Advisor, Global Fora, Global Alliance for the Future of Food

EDF and government partners will launch the Wildfire Action Accelerator Pledge during COP30 in Belém, Brazil, marking a milestone in global efforts to strengthen wildfire resilience across tropical countries. This high-level event will bring together forest nations, Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs), donors and multilateral partners to present a unified commitment to scaling solutions that address wildfires as a systemic challenge linked to climate, biodiversity and development.

• Fred Krupp, President, Environmental Defense Fund
• Gustavo Sánchez Valle, President, Red Mexicana de Organizaciones Campesinas Forestales
• More speakers to be confirmed

This interactive roundtable convenes government representatives, agri-finance institutions, private sector actors, global funds and implementing organizations to identify practical, scalable financing mechanisms that deliver value to smallholder producers while advancing climate outcomes. The session will showcase proven solutions that derisk investment, highlight barriers to scaling finance for smallholders, and foster codesign of pathways that translate commitments into farmer-level action. Learn more about events at the Action on Food Hub Pavilion.

• Jennifer Chow, Senior Director, Climate-Resilient Food Systems, Environmental Defense Fund
• Thais Ferraz, Programmatic Director, Instituto Clima e Sociedade
• Harko Koster, Global Lead, Climate and Food Systems, SNV Netherlands Development Organisation
• Daan Wensing, Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the Executive Board, IDH — The Sustainable Trade Initiative
• John Mundy, Director, Global Partnerships, One Acre Fund

We are kicking off a global effort to identify and elevate solutions for the agrifood sector and climate action. This reception marks the start of a shared journey toward the 2028 Global Stocktake, uniting leaders and innovators to accelerate progress in agricultural development and methane mitigation. Together, we’ll strengthen our community, spark new partnerships and advance a more sustainable, resilient future for people and the planet.

This event provides a reserved, private space during COP30 to engage in focused discussions with key stakeholders, advance partnerships and gather targeted support for the “Plan to Accelerate Solutions: Integrating Agricultural Development and Methane Mitigation.”

This policy roundtable brings together government representatives, funders, farmers and implementers to discuss integration of livestock-related commitments in countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions and broader climate programs. Participants will share country experiences and identify pathways for expanding livestock commitments and translating them into practical, well-funded action. Learn more about events at the Action on Food Hub Pavilion.

Improving livestock health delivers “triple wins” — lower emissions, stronger food systems and more resilient rural livelihoods. Join us for a panel highlighting Brazil as a case study — for example, showcasing productivity gains alongside reduced pasture area, as well as links between vaccination/health interventions and lower emissions intensity — and discussion on policy, investment and infrastructure steps to scale solutions in Brazil and beyond. This event is hosted by Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef in partnership with HealthforAnimals.

• Pamela Ruiter, Director, Global Agriculture Methane, Environmental Defense Fund
• Josefina Eisele, Regional Director, Latin America, Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef
• Ana Carolina Zimmerman, Brazilian Farmer
• Alex Rinkus, Director, Communications and Stakeholder Relations, HealthforAnimals

Megafires are increasing due to climate change and other factors. This workshop, part of TED Countdown House, discusses strategies including Indigenous wisdom, advanced science and new policy approaches needed to design wildfire-resilient communities and forests.

• Mark Moroge, Vice President, Forests, Environmental Defense Fund
• Francisca Arara, Arara Indigenous Leader, Brazil
• Amy Barnes, Global Head of Energy and Power, Marsh
• Daniela Limongi, Vice Minister of Environment and Energy, Ecuador

Hosted by Tetra Pak and ProVeg International, this interactive workshop brings financiers and food system innovators together to tackle the critical question: How do we make sustainable solutions for food systems “fit for investment?” Through technical presentations, breakout sessions and an expert Q&A, participants will analyze barriers to food systems finance and cocreate practical solutions to increase investment flows. Learn more about events at the Action on Food Hub Pavilion.

• Jennifer Chow, Senior Director, Climate-Resilient Food Systems, Environmental Defense Fund
• Lasse Bruun, Director, Climate and Food, United Nations Foundation
• John Mundy, Director, Global Partnerships, One Acre Fund
• More speakers to be confirmed

Hosted by the International Dairy Federation, Dairy Farmers of Canada and European Dairy Association, this session showcases how robust life cycle assessment science guides the livestock sector to reduce emissions, and why climate-smart practices are a win-win for farmers. The event explores how public-private partnerships can accelerate the journey to climate resilience through fair cost-sharing models, environmental metrics and ensuring benefits reach smallholder farmers.

• Abhinav Gaurav, Lead Advisor, Sustainable Dairy, Environmental Defense Fund
• Gilles Froment, Senior Vice President, Government and Industry Relations, Lactalis Canada; President, International Dairy Federation
• Ying Wang, Global Sustainability Lead, International Dairy Federation
• Fiona McNeill-Knowles, Dairy Farmers of Canada
• Bob Lowe, President, Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef; Beef Farmer, Tri-L Ranch
• Roberto Hugo Jank Jr., Dairy Farmer and Chief Executive Officer, Agrindus Farm S.A. (joining virtually)
• Alberto Babolin, Senior Policy Officer, Environment and Sustainability, European Dairy Association
• Nathalie Aliquier, Chief Sustainability Officer, Danone

Youth represent a vital force in advancing sustainable and climate-resilient aquatic food systems. Despite their increasing engagement, many United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change stakeholders remain unaware of the role of young fisheries and aquaculture actors in climate resilience. This event will center around an intergenerational dialogue to introduce the FAO Youth Constituency on Fisheries and Aquaculture, understand opportunities and challenges at the nexus of climate and aquatic food systems, and feature youth voices and initiatives around these issues. The session highlights youth roles in climate-resilient aquatic food systems and explores collaboration opportunities, including with climate youth groups.

• Karly Kelso, Acting Senior Director, Global Ocean Strategies, Environmental Defense Fund

Join policymakers, innovators and practitioners for an interactive workshop hosted by Climate KIC exploring how the Deep Demonstration approach can accelerate transformation toward resilient, climate-neutral agri-food systems. Together, we’ll unpack real-world policy innovations, share success stories and identify the enablers and barriers to scaling change. Participants will exchange insights from across regions and cocreate pathways to adapt proven strategies to local contexts. Learn more about events at the Action on Food Hub Pavilion.

• Abhinav Gaurav, Lead Advisor, Sustainable Dairy, Environmental Defense Fund
• More speakers to be confirmed

This event convenes funders, investors, governments and industry leaders to explore practical solutions for reducing livestock methane emissions through optimizing feed, genetics and animal health. The discussion will showcase innovative finance opportunities, breakthrough technologies, and measurement frameworks that deliver wins for climate, farmer livelihoods and health.

• Abhinav Gaurav, Lead Advisor, Sustainable Dairy, Environmental Defense Fund
• Fernanda Ferreira, Director, Agriculture Methane, Clean Air Task Force
• Nathalie Alquier, Chief Sustainability Officer, Danone
• Bernard Kimoro, Head of Climate Change and Livestock Sustainability, State Department for Livestock, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development of Kenya
• Martina Otto, Head of Secretariat, Climate and Clean Air Coalition

Join us at this official COP30 side event spotlighting community-led forest economies as real solutions for protecting forests and advancing equitable livelihoods. Centered on shifting power from extractive systems to community agency, the session brings together Indigenous and women leaders, scientists and policy partners from the Amazon, Congo Basin and Southeast Asia. We’ll reflect on key COP outcomes, such as the Tropical Forest Forever Facility, Bioeconomy Challenge and Land Tenure Pledge, and explore how to align policy, finance, culture and standards to scale community-driven action. Expect powerful stories, data and policy insights shaping forest futures beyond 2026. Translation will be available in English, Spanish, Portuguese and French.