Climate Change Solutions Update

Category: Food, Agriculture, Land & Ocean (FALO)

Cut Emissions:
– Curb Growing Demands
– Restore & Manage Ecosystems
– Shift Agriculture Practices

  • Perovskite tandem PV for agrivoltaics

    Researchers from Cornell University conducted a life-cycle assessment on integrating advanced perovskite tandem PV into agrivoltaic lettuce production in the US, comparing different technologies with conventional silicon PV. The study evaluated greenhouse gas emissions, water impacts, and potential benefits of agrivoltaics, showing that retrofitting US lettuce farmland with agrivoltaics could have significant environmental benefits. Next-generation agrivoltaics have the strongest potential in water-scarce regions like California's Southern Desert and Arizona, with responsible design transforming farmland into a platform for integrated food production, clean energy generation, and water conservation. The research, presented in a paper titled "Advancing Food-Energy-Water Sustainability with Scalable Perovskite Tandem Agrivoltaics" published in Nexus, highlights the potential of agrivoltaics to simultaneously produce food, generate clean electricity, reduce emissions, conserve water, and ease land-use competition.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/06/17/perovskite-tandem-pv-for-agrivoltaics/

  • Investing in movement building: How flexible funding is helping agroecology take root across Africa

    The industrial agricultural system in Africa heavily relies on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, which are becoming more expensive and harmful to ecosystems and human health. Agroecology, a farming approach that works with nature, is gaining traction as a sustainable alternative to agrochemicals. Grassroots organizations in Africa are leading the movement towards agroecology, but they require flexible and unrestricted funding to drive real systems transformation. ClimateWorks and the African Climate Foundation are supporting these organizations to advance agroecology and reduce the use of agrochemicals across the continent. The grant focused on supporting grassroots leaders in Africa passionate about agroecology, providing flexible funding that allowed for the strengthening of farmer networks and building connections across regions. Local organizations and farmers were able to contextualize solutions in ways outsiders cannot, leading to the development of resilient, locally-led food systems. The importance of deep cultural and ecological knowledge in implementing agroecology was highlighted, with local knowledge informing global discourse and farmers being recognized as active co-creators of solutions. The grant facilitated the establishment of national networks to combat counterfeit agrochemicals and drive policy influence at various levels. Grassroots organizations in Africa are collaborating and learning from each other to address systemic barriers and inequalities within food systems. Trust-based, locally-led funding is seen as more effective in driving systemic change in climate philanthropy. The collaboration between organizations has led to the adoption of new technologies and practices to strengthen interventions. Securing adequate and sustainable financial resources is crucial for deepening agroecological work and reducing inequalities in rural communities. These lessons are shaping the strategy for future climate solutions. The Food and Agriculture program at ClimateWorks focuses on coalition building, narrative shifting, and mutual learning to transition to more sustainable food systems. Frontline actors are essential in these coalitions to increase political representation and create durable solutions. Diverse actors are reframing public narratives about food and agriculture to drive change. Mutual learning across regions accelerates the adoption of new ideas and practices. The program aims to create the conditions for change to be possible and support organizations in creating more sustainable food systems for future generations.

    https://www.climateworks.org/blog/investing-in-movement-building-how-flexible-funding-is-helping-agroecology-take-root-across-africa/

  • Coral reefs are not doomed – but policy must catch up with the science

    New evidence suggests that over 165,000 square kilometers of coral reefs have the potential to survive and recover from climate impacts, three times more than previously understood. These resilient reefs are crucial for protecting coastlines, sustaining fisheries, and reducing climate risk for coastal communities. Governments and local partners are working to improve reef management and reduce pollution, but only 28 percent of climate-resilient reefs are currently within protected areas. The declaration emphasizes the need for global efforts to protect coral reefs, highlighting the importance of implementation and support for Indigenous Peoples and local communities to ensure their long-term sustainability for communities, economies, and coastlines.

    https://www.climatechangenews.com/2026/06/16/coral-reefs-are-not-doomed-but-policy-must-catch-up-with-the-science/

  • Australia establishes the first Sea Country Indigenous Protected Area

    The Karajarri people of Kimberley in northwestern Australia have established Australia's first Sea Country Indigenous Protected Area, acknowledging their deep connection to the land and sea. This new protected area, rich in biodiversity, is crucial for maintaining the health of both people and ecosystems. Building on three decades of legal and political efforts, Australia's Indigenous Protected Areas are now playing a key role in the country's goal to protect 30% of its territory by 2030.

    https://news.mongabay.com/short-article/2026/06/australia-establishes-the-first-sea-country-indigenous-protected-area/

  • Distributed solar’s overlooked role: Keeping farmland out of the real estate market

    The article discusses the financial challenges faced by American farmers, highlighting the potential of community solar projects as a solution to provide stable income and help keep farmland in agricultural use. By utilizing lower-yield land for solar projects, farmers can retain ownership, maintain flexibility, and pass the land on to future generations. These projects offer a sustainable alternative to selling land for housing or industrial use, ultimately supporting the viability of farming for generations to come. The real risk to farmland is larger economic pressures, and being open-minded about what farming looks like today is necessary to ensure farmland remains farmland in the future.

    https://www.utilitydive.com/news/distributed-solars-overlooked-role-keeping-farmland-real-estate/821837/

  • Australian farmers call for on-farm electricification and clean tech support

    The Farmers for Climate Action (FCA) report, Energy Sovereignty for Regional Australia, advocates for the switch to locally produced, lower cost energy and sustainable biofuels in the agricultural sector. It emphasizes the need for accelerating electrification of farm equipment, such as irrigation and processing machinery, to reduce costs and increase energy security. The report calls for sensible tax policy reform to drive electrification technology while protecting farmers and associated industries. Highlighting the feasibility of using solar PV and battery storage for electric tractors, the report suggests policy support and incentives to accelerate the shift towards more sustainable practices in agriculture. Overall, the shift towards clean energy and electric machinery is seen as a major opportunity to cut costs and increase resilience in the agricultural sector.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/06/15/farmers-call-for-on-farm-electricification-and-clean-tech-support/

  • In Thailand, EUDR pressure on small-scale rubber farmers prompts private-sector assistance

    The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is putting pressure on small-scale rubber farmers in Thailand to prove their products are deforestation-free in order to continue supplying European markets. Private intermediary firms like Agriac are helping farmers comply through tech-based traceability platforms such as Traztru. The EUDR aims to reduce deforestation risks and promote sustainability in the rubber industry, with a focus on collaboration across the supply chain and investment in small-scale producers. Efforts to engage more farmers and ensure compliance with EUDR standards will require collective responsibility and a shift towards sustainable practices. Crop diversification in rubber agroforestry plantations and promoting biodiversity-friendly approaches are key strategies to transform the rubber industry supply chain in time for upcoming regulations.

    https://news.mongabay.com/2026/06/in-thailand-eudr-pressure-on-small-scale-rubber-farmers-prompts-private-sector-assistance/

  • Climate adaptation helps African nations tackle rising conflict over resources

    The Ugbaad project in Somalia, funded by the UN's Green Climate Fund, aims to boost resilience through climate-smart crops and water infrastructure. Climate change exacerbates tensions in fragile states, prompting a call for collective action at COP28 to integrate peacebuilding with adaptation plans. The NAP Global Network is aiding conflict-affected countries like Nigeria in strengthening adaptation planning and resilience. Nigeria is integrating peacebuilding into its NAP to address climate challenges, seeking financing from various sources. Emphasizing domestic resources and private-sector involvement is crucial to ensure NAPs lead to tangible climate actions.

    https://www.climatechangenews.com/2026/06/12/climate-adaptation-helps-african-nations-tackle-rising-conflict-over-resources/

  • How silk caterpillars became a tool for conservation in Madagascar

    Catherine Craig's conservation work in Madagascar focused on developing a sustainable enterprise around native silk-producing caterpillars to provide new sources of income for farmers and artisans, aiming to protect habitat by creating economic opportunities for local communities. The project's success relied on Malagasy leadership, community engagement, and adaptability to changing markets and local needs. The CPALI program expanded to include various sustainable practices, highlighting the importance of respecting local communities in conservation efforts. Craig's focus on linking livelihoods with conservation was driven by the recognition of poverty as a key factor in habitat loss and animal exploitation in tropical regions. The project's transition to Malagasy leadership showcased the resilience needed in conservation projects and the importance of empowering local communities for long-term sustainability.

    https://news.mongabay.com/2026/06/how-silk-caterpillars-became-a-tool-for-conservation-in-madagascar/

  • What in the World Could Conservationists from the Rainforest and the Savannah Learn from Each Other? A Lot, It Turns Out.

    Wildlife conservationists from Ewaso Lions in Kenya visited Sabah, Malaysian Borneo to exchange knowledge and collaborate with local organizations on community-led conservation efforts. They learned about the challenges of human-wildlife conflict, particularly with Bornean elephants, and innovative strategies to mitigate conflict. The visit included a community-led conservation workshop at Hutan headquarters, where both teams shared insights on conservation approaches. Ewaso Lions is using feedback from the trip to refine their community-led conservation framework and empower local communities in Kenya. The exchange highlighted the universal language of conservation and the importance of collaboration in advancing solutions for wildlife and people to coexist. The team also visited a women-led tree nursery and observed wild orangutans in restoration areas, inspiring them to establish their own tree nursery and explore landscape-scale coexistence models. The experience emphasized the importance of community empowerment in conservation efforts and the shared passion of women working in conservation across the globe, showing that when local communities lead, wildlife can thrive.

    https://wildnet.org/news/what-in-the-world-could-conservationists-from-the-rainforest-and-the-savannah-learn-from-each-other-a-lot-it-turns-out/