The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) was founded in 1945 with the mandate to raise levels of nutrition and standards of living, to improve agricultural productivity and to better the condition of rural populations.

FAO contributes to international efforts to deal with climate change by assessing the available scientific evidence, participating in observing and monitoring systems, collecting unique global datasets and providing a neutral forum for negotiations and technical discussions on climate change and agriculture, forestry and fisheries. The Organization collects and analyses data and information in agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and land and water management at the regional and global levels; provides methods, models, concepts and definitions; and provides capacity building on climate change adaptation and mitigation issues.