Climate change will have severe negative effects on agriculture and food security. Low-income countries and poor farmers are particularly at risk. At the same time, agriculture is a major source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Agriculture has to both adapt to climate change and contribute to mitigation. This requires changes in agricultural practices as well as improvements in livelihood options for poor farm households. Changes in the broader food system are also needed, including reductions in food waste and losses and changes in dietary patterns to reduce their carbon footprint. This is Info note number 1 of 3 drawn from The State of Food and Agriculture 2016. Climate change, agriculture and food security. For sources and more detail, please refer to the complete report (available at www.fao.org/3/a-i6030e.pdf). The Info note 2 (http://www.fao.org/3/a-i7085e.pdf) discusses the constraints to adoption of improved agricultural practices for mitigation and adaptation to climate change. The Info note 3 (http://www.fao.org/3/a-i7086e.pdf) addresses the policies, institutions and financing needed to address climate change in agriculture.