U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, co-host for the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM for Climate) Summit, today announced during the Summit’s opening plenary that AIM for Climate partners from around the globe are increasing investment in, and support for, climate-smart agriculture and food systems innovation.
“Climate change continues to impact longstanding agricultural practices in every country and a strong global commitment is necessary to face the challenges of climate change head-on and build more sustainable, equitable, and resilient food systems,” said Secretary Vilsack. “We need all of us working together to address the challenges of climate change and food security through innovative technology and approaches, and the AIM for Climate Summit gives me hope that we will rise to the occasion, as future generations depend on us to do.”
Her Excellency Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Minister of Climate Change and Environment, reiterated that strengthening national and global food security through sustainable technology and innovation is one of the key strategic pillars of the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051. Through this strategy, the country aims to elevate the entire food value chain and build a sustainable future for all.
“Under the vision and guidance of its wise leadership, the UAE is committed to building a solid foundation for international cooperation to find solutions to various challenges facing global food and agricultural systems within a larger framework aimed at addressing climate change and mitigating its negative impacts on the future of humanity. The AIM for Climate Initiative, launched in collaboration between the UAE and the United States, embodies this important approach, reflecting our commitment to transforming global agricultural systems into more advanced and sustainable systems to confront the scarcity of water and arable land in many countries, and thereby contributing to the eradication of hunger in the world,” said Minister Almheiri.
Launched at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in November 2021, AIM for Climate is co-led by the United Arab Emirates and the United States.
Secretary Vilsack, Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore and Minister Almheiri shared the stage at the Summit’s opening.
AIM for Climate Progress
Secretary Vilsack noted that the Summit is a pivotal moment to demonstrate AIM for Climate progress, as there is a global appetite to accelerate progress in meeting the challenges of global food and nutrition security and climate change. Secretary Vilsack announced new investments, partners, and resources to propel the initiative into COP28, including:
Increased Investment: Partners have increased investment in climate-smart agriculture and food systems innovation to more than $13 billion (over a 2020 baseline), exceeding the challenge by U.S. Special Envoy for Climate John Kerry at COP27 to achieve $10 billion by COP28.
Innovation Sprints: 21 new innovation sprints totaling an additional $1.8 billion in increased investment in climate-smart agriculture and food systems innovation, bringing the total number of innovation sprints to 51 (over $3 billion).
Partners: New partners including the governments of Argentina, Fiji, Guatemala, India, Panama, Paraguay and Sri Lanka, bringing the total number of government, innovation sprints, and knowledge partners to more than 500.
Source: usda.gov
Photo Credit: Aikm for Climate Summit
Categories: New York, Equipment & Machinery, Government & Policy, Sustainable Agriculture