Consultant required to produce a short briefing for CLG Europe
The climate neutral and nature positive future for Europe’s landscape
(Working title)

CISL is inviting submissions for a competitive proposal for the supply and delivery to the University of Cambridge of the services set out in the below specification.

Request for a consultant to help produce a short discussion-provoking briefing that would highlight the benefits (economic, as well as on climate and biodiversity) of increased climate action in food and land use systems and present high-level EU policy recommendations on how to transition the EU food system to climate neutrality by mid-century.

The purpose of the proposed briefing will be to contribute to the debate on the impact of food system value chains on both climate change and biodiversity loss, to illustrate how leading businesses are developing best practices which align carbon and nature-positive objectives, and how policy tools can help bring about significant improvements in the environment, emissions reductions and the food ecosystem. Most of the content will draw on existing literature, although some additional qualitative research and analysis may be required to complete a small number of the case studies.

About the CLGs
CLG Europe bring together European business leaders to accelerate progress towards a low carbon, sustainable economy. Through exchange of ideas, experience, and a dialogue with policymakers, CLG Europe facilitates solutions that support a resilient and prosperous future. CLG Europe is convened by the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership. Find out more: https://www.corporateleadersgroup.com/corporate-leaders-group-europe

Context and project objective
Land use and food systems are one of the key drivers of climate change and environmental degradation. At the same time, the interdependent climate and nature crises constitute imminent and lasting threats to food security and livelihoods. To enable Europe to achieve its goal of becoming the first climate neutral continent, food production will need to change at all stages of the value chain to ensure the sustainable production and consumption of healthy food, alongside the restoration of vital ecosystems. A ‘regenerative’ approach to land use is needed.

In May 2020, the European Commission presented its Farm to Fork Strategy that sets the ambition of positioning European food as the global standard for sustainability. It is based on the idea that “a shift to a sustainable food system can bring environmental, health and social benefits, offer economic gains and ensure that the recovery from the crisis puts us onto a sustainable path.” The Farm to Fork Strategy offers a positive vision of how Europe can move towards more sustainable land use and protect and restore its natural systems. However, central to its success will be the development of an EU legal framework for a ‘sustainable food system’ by the end of 2023. In addition, the revision of the European Commission’s EU 2030 climate legislation on Effort Sharing and LULUCF, it’s Food 2030 research and innovation policy, as well as member state Recovery and Resilience Plans (RRPs), should all support sustainable land management. This briefing should contribute to the debate on what a sustainable food system should look like.

Alongside European policy tools, business has a crucial role to play in driving solutions. Progressive European businesses are increasingly recognising the impacts they have on nature, and are investing in innovations to progress nature restoration and sustainable land use to reach their own net zero commitments. These need to be brought forward to share best practice and accelerate business action.

This briefing aims to inform European policymakers providing them with information and confidence to develop enabling legislation which will drive action in this area. It should also inform a broad range of businesses on the opportunities available to them.

The briefing will be published in the name of CLG Europe and will represent insights from a business group supporting ambition on climate change and the transition to a sustainable economy.

Target audience
European policymakers (European Commission, MEPs, member state representatives) and business.

Timing:
Deadline for applicants: 22 January 2021
Shortlisting deadline: 27 January 2021
Appointment deadline: 3 February 2021
Contract start date: 8 February 2021
Contract end date and deadline for final design: 19 March 2021
The service provider(s) will also be expected to be available to participate in structured discussions over the phone/ face-to-face meetings with the CISL team over the period of the contract. Specific time and dates are to be confirmed.

First draft to be completed by mid-February 2021 and final briefing text to be signed off by mid-March 2021 to enable publication in late March 2020.