Joint US-UAE Effort to Boost Climate-Friendly Farming Reaches $17 Billion
The United States and United Arab Emirates (UAE) have announced that funding for their joint initiative to promote climate-friendly farming worldwide has surged to over $17 billion, marking a significant milestone at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai.
Partnership Expansion at COP28
The Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM for Climate), set up in 2021 at COP26, has seen an increase in funding from various governmental, corporate, and non-governmental contributors. This growth reflects a collective commitment to addressing the substantial greenhouse gas emissions stemming from food and agricultural activities.
Global Impact on Food and Farming
Food and farming contribute approximately one-third of the world’s anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, as per the U.N.’s Food and Agriculture Organization, underscoring the urgency of implementing sustainable practices in the agricultural sector.
AIM for Climate Initiatives
With the launch of nearly 80 projects under the AIM for Climate initiative, the focus lies on expanding agricultural research, adopting sustainable farming methods, and reducing methane emissions, all pivotal in combating the climate crisis.
Steady Funding Growth
The ambitious initiative has experienced a noteworthy increase in funding, soaring from $8 billion at COP27 to $17 billion at COP28. Governments and non-governmental entities have contributed $12 billion and $5 billion, respectively, highlighting the weighty financial backing behind this global cause.
Rewriting Agricultural Norms
Several projects, ranging from $500 million to $150,000, have been announced at COP28, including collaborative efforts with corporations like Bunge and Google, emphasizing the emphasis on regenerative agriculture practices.
Climate Summit Emphasis on Agriculture
This year’s climate summit has allocated a dedicated day to food and farming topics, signaling a pivotal shift in focus towards transforming the global food and agricultural systems to combat climate change.
Transforming Food Systems
“We are witnessing tremendous progress in transforming the global food and agricultural systems at COP28,” said UAE Minister for Climate and the Environment Mariam Almheiri in a statement, underscoring the significant strides achieved in the agricultural sector.
Advocacy for Action
Advocacy groups are urging nations and companies to pledge to address agricultural methane emissions, particularly those stemming from livestock production, recognizing that these emissions are a critical contributor to climate change.
