Engineers at the University of California San Diego have developed a spray-on polymer coating to help plants resist bacterial infections and survive drought, which could strengthen global food security. Bacterial infections are a growing threat to agriculture, causing major crop losses worldwide. Rising temperatures are allowing pathogens to expand into new regions, increasing crop exposure to infections. Researchers developed an antibacterial coating that can be sprayed directly onto plant leaves to combat this challenge, offering a promising solution to enhance crop resilience and food production in the face of climate change.
Category: Food, Agriculture, Land & Ocean (FALO)
Cut Emissions:
– Curb Growing Demands
– Restore & Manage Ecosystems
– Shift Agriculture Practices
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Offshore wind turbines create all-you-can-eat havens where some fish can double in size
A new study found that offshore wind farms can lead to larger fish species and increased complexity in the oceanic food chain due to the rough surfaces of turbine monopiles and submarine cables providing new habitats for marine organisms. The presence of wind turbines created a different marine environment with positive attributes, such as increased biomass of benthic fish and sessile organisms colonizing the structures. Additionally, the wind farm acted as a no-take zone, serving as a marine protected area for commercially targeted species and contributing to a more stable, diverse, and functionally intact ocean life compared to areas without turbines. While there are risks associated with exploration and construction, the study suggests that wind farms can have positive impacts on marine ecosystems by providing new habitats and increasing food availability for marine life.
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The levers for a sustainable food system
The article outlines a food system transformation pathway that can help limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius while improving health, environment, and social inclusion. This pathway involves changes in food production, consumption, and waste management, leading to reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved nutrition, and increased food security. Sustainable agriculture practices and dietary shifts are emphasized as key components in achieving climate goals and benefiting human health and well-being.
https://www.pik-potsdam.de/en/news/latest-news/the-levers-for-a-sustainable-food-system
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Big Year for Regeneration!
A group of farmers, food activists, and climate activists from North and South America gathered in Santiago, Chile under the banner of Regeneration International to develop a common strategy to address climate change and other pressing issues. Despite the cancellation of the COP25 in Santiago, they continued their efforts in Madrid, representing Regeneration International and fostering partnerships. The Chilean delegation of Regeneration International at COP25 is calling for a focus on four key points to expand regenerative solutions and restore global climate stability in time, including the importance of agroecology in combating climate change. Additionally, an agroecological seed company in Argentina, Constelación Semillas Agroecológicas, was highlighted as the affiliate of the month for their monumental achievements in sustainable agriculture. Chile will no longer host COP, raising questions about the future of climate action in the country.
https://act.web-advocacy.net/page/15700/action/1?locale=en-US
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Environmental News Network – UC San Diego Launches Soil Health Center to Advance Climate Solutions, Food Security
The University of California San Diego has established the UC San Diego Soil Health Center at Scripps Institution of Oceanography in Southern California, dedicated to advancing climate solutions through soil health research, education, and outreach. The center's focus is on building and maintaining soil health to mitigate climate change, enhance food security, and boost societal resilience. By bringing together experts from different fields, the center aims to drive sustainable technology innovations, such as creating a natural soil probiotic to enhance plant growth and increase carbon storage in the soil.
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In Peru, community-led camera trapping boosts conservation and ecotourism
Community members in Alto Mayo, Peru are working to protect a unique wetland forest through sustainable ecotourism, scientific research, and participatory management of the territory. The Tingana Conservation Concession, managed by Adecaram and supported by Conservation International, covers 4,000 hectares and hosts a diverse ecosystem with renaco trees and aguajales above 800 meters. Visitors can explore flooded forests, learn about sustainable agriculture, and contribute to the community's economy while observing biodiversity through canoe tours. Camera traps have captured footage of rare wildlife like jaguarundis, margays, and birds, aiding in scientific research and environmental education efforts. The initiative has empowered local communities, broadened scientific knowledge, and emphasized the importance of preserving the ecosystem for future generations, with generational replacement being a key focus for sustainability.
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Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Adaptation & Agriculture – Global Center on Adaptation
Climate impacts are reshaping farming techniques globally, with unreliable rainfall and flash floods complicating food production in the Global South. Indigenous seed varieties and regenerative farming practices are at risk, affecting the nutritional health of populations. Communities in Zambia are implementing ecosystem-based adaptation to combat water shortages, emphasizing peer-to-peer learning and combining innovation with Indigenous practices for a sustainable future.
https://gca.org/indigenous-knowledge-systems-in-adaptation-agriculture/
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Our Power News – What was different about this year’s UN climate talks?
World leaders marked the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, with historic progress towards limiting global warming to 1.5°C and transitioning away from fossil fuels. Indigenous delegations played a crucial role in advocating for climate action, securing the demarcation of territories and pushing for community-led renewable energy. The momentum towards forest protection, accountability for polluters, and clean energy as a right is growing, with renewable energy on track to meet all new electricity needs by 2025. Continued support is needed to demand real climate action and build a powerful climate movement for a safe and better future.
https://350.org/our-power-news-what-was-different-about-this-years-un-climate-talks/
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Environmental News Network – When Spending Less Delivers More Climate-Friendly Nutrition
A global study from Tufts University published in Nature Food found that eating healthy can save money and produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to current food choices. The study identified locally available foods that meet nutritional needs with low emissions and costs, challenging the belief that climate-friendly eating is expensive. Lead researcher William A. Masters emphasized the importance of considering both cost and emissions when making food choices, highlighting that cheaper food options generally have lower emissions within each food group. This research provides valuable insights for climate solutions experts looking to promote sustainable and affordable food choices.
https://www.enn.com/articles/77552-when-spending-less-delivers-more-climate-friendly-nutrition
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Landmark philanthropic support for coastal communities and small-scale fishers
Blue Ventures has received a significant donation of USD 62 million from MacKenzie Scott to support small-scale fishers and coastal communities in the tropics. The funding will help strengthen locally led efforts to protect marine ecosystems, sustain livelihoods, and build resilience in the face of climate and ocean crises. The gift recognizes the leadership of coastal communities and aims to scale effective community-led initiatives to address environmental and economic pressures. Blue Ventures will use the funding to implement their 2030 Strategy, focusing on community leadership and supporting frontline partners to drive their own priorities for conservation and stewardship of marine resources. The organization emphasizes the importance of community-led conservation in protecting coastal seas and ensuring equity in climate solutions. Blue Ventures will lead fisheries management, marine conservation, and improve food security for 5 million people, bringing 200,000 km2 of carbon-rich seas under local stewardship and supporting communities with skills, data, and advocacy. Working with partners and councils, the organization will prioritize funding for local solutions to address the climate crisis, enabling communities to adapt and scale effective approaches for healthy oceans and sustainable livelihoods.