Climate Change Solutions Update

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

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

  • New metric assesses innovation readiness in agrivoltaics

    The Agrivoltaic Innovation Index (AII) developed by researchers at Firat University evaluates research-driven innovation in agrivoltaics across four dimensions and distinguishes innovation readiness from general research performance. European and East Asian nations rank higher in AII tiers, while countries in Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and parts of South and Southeast Asia exhibit lower overall AII values due to weak diffusion mechanisms and collaboration structures. The AII can help governments identify gaps in technology and knowledge sharing to create policies addressing weaknesses in research, with countries like Burkina Faso, Benin, Kenya, Tanzania, Senegal, and Niger showing high AII scores despite fewer published papers, indicating focused projects addressing urgent local needs. These nations could benefit from international cooperation and support to further develop agrivoltaic innovation clusters.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/22/new-metric-assesses-innovation-readiness-in-agrivoltaics/

  • Digital Rice Emission Avoidance Methodology (DREAM)

    Gold Standard has introduced the Digital Rice Emission Avoidance Methodology (DREAM) to address the challenges of sustainable rice production for smallholder farmers. DREAM utilizes a tech-forward framework with a bifurcated verification pathway, using Satellite Digital MRV for smallholders and direct physical measurements for large-scale estates. The methodology includes safeguards such as the "Flowering Lock" and weather adjustments to protect crop yields and prevent over-crediting during natural droughts, as well as labor safeguards for vulnerable farming communities. Feedback on DREAM is welcomed until 22 May 2026, aiming to democratize access to carbon finance while maintaining environmental integrity in rice production.

    https://www.goldstandard.org/consultations/digital-rice-emission-avoidance-methodology-dream

  • How countries, cities and companies accelerate the transformation to plant-rich food

    The importance of normalizing plant-rich diets to address climate change is highlighted in the article, with efforts from institutions like the Mayor of New York City's Office of Food Policy promoting plant-based options in meals served in schools. The EU deforestation law is mentioned as a way to price in the true cost of high-emission food production, while educating the next generation of cooks and culinary professionals is seen as crucial in shaping sustainable food systems. Making sustainable food choices easy, accessible, and delicious is emphasized to drive a cultural shift towards more climate-friendly diets, ultimately leading to reduced global greenhouse gas emissions and decreased fossil fuel usage in food systems.

    https://exponentialroadmap.org/how-to-accelerate-the-transformation-to-plant-rich-food/

  • Morocco’s whole-of-government approach to climate policy in action

    Morocco has prioritized climate change on its policy agenda, adopting a "whole-of-government" approach with support from the World Bank Group. The country is focusing on clean energy transition to address climate impacts on jobs, particularly in rural areas reliant on agriculture. Aligning its 2025 NDCs with the 2026-2028 budget, Morocco is implementing Climate Budget Tagging and other initiatives like greening public procurement and developing Green Sovereign Bonds. Despite challenges in policy implementation, collaboration with international partners is helping turn climate ambition into an executable roadmap.

    https://www.preventionweb.net/news/moroccos-whole-government-approach-climate-policy-action

  • Intelligent solar siting neutralizes local opposition at near-zero cost

    A new study published in Geography and Sustainability presents a geospatial modeling framework that shows utility-scale solar buildouts can avoid critical ecological habitats with minimal impact on project economics. Researchers from Cornell University, The Nature Conservancy, and other institutions used New York State as a case study to analyze land-use priorities for decarbonization. The study found that prioritizing biodiversity, agriculture preservation, or cost minimization led to different regional trade-offs in land use. By utilizing dual-criterion macro-siting algorithms, asset managers can reduce risks in pipeline development and present optimized spatial configurations to overcome NIMBY resistance. This suggests that smart macro-siting can mitigate local opposition and environmental degradation at a minimal cost premium, leading to more just and ecologically responsible energy transitions.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/19/intelligent-solar-siting-neutralizes-local-opposition-at-near-zero-cost/

  • European Energy begins work Italy’s 225.5MW agrivoltaic project

    European Energy is constructing a 225.5MW agrivoltaic project in Sicily, Italy, under Italy's FER X Transitional Contract for Difference auction scheme. The facility is projected to generate 405GWh of electricity annually, powering 135,000 households by integrating solar energy generation with agricultural practices like sheep grazing and reforestation. With a focus on long-term revenue stability and integrated land-use solutions, European Energy aims to develop robust renewable energy projects. The company's strong development pipeline in Italy has attracted significant investor interest in large-scale renewable energy projects.

    https://www.power-technology.com/news/european-energy-begins-work-italys-agrivoltaic-project/

  • The Race to Regenerate: Why the Tipping Point for Nature Positive Agriculture Is a Business Problem, Not a Farming Problem

    Oatly has set ambitious goals to transition to regenerative agriculture, aiming for 30% of global supply by 2030, 90% by 2040, and 100% by 2050. The company emphasizes the importance of shifting towards regenerative agriculture within supply chains and at the landscape level, highlighting the need for greater corporate transparency and farmer involvement in decision-making. These steps are crucial for the success of the transition towards more sustainable agricultural practices.

    https://exponentialroadmap.org/the-race-to-regenerate-why-the-tipping-point-for-nature-positive-agriculture-is-a-business-problem-not-a-farming-problem/

  • First bank-backed regenerative agriculture programme launched for South African farmers

    South African commercial farmers have the opportunity to earn supplementary income through a new bank-backed carbon credit programme that promotes regenerative agriculture practices. This initiative provides financial incentives for farmers to adopt more sustainable farming methods, potentially reducing their carbon footprint and contributing to overall climate solutions. By participating in the programme, farmers can play a significant role in mitigating climate change while also benefiting financially from their efforts.

    https://carbon-pulse.com/512718/

  • Solar & Farming Can Share Land, But The Details Matter

    Agrivoltaics, the combination of solar panels and agriculture, can be challenging to implement effectively. It is important to prioritize the agricultural system in the design process, considering factors such as crop physiology, climate, irrigation, and farmer economics. Contracts should clearly define responsibilities and benefits for both the farmer and the solar developer. The success of agrivoltaics should be measured by overall productivity, not just crop yield per hectare. Policy should support genuine dual use of land for solar and agriculture, rather than forcing every solar project to include farming. Enforcement is necessary to ensure that developers do not exploit agricultural claims for easier approval.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/16/solar-farming-can-share-land-but-the-details-matter/

  • UKHACC News Bulletin May 2026 – UK Health Alliance on Climate Change

    The UK Health Alliance on Climate Change has appointed a new Director, Charlie Brown, who brings extensive charity leadership and influencing experience. The government has committed to clean energy expansion, including ending new oil and gas licenses and banning fracking and coal licenses. Leaders of 57 countries met to develop plans to end reliance on fossil fuels, focusing on national roadmaps and addressing harmful subsidies. There is an upcoming lobby day in Parliament to support the Ten Point Plan on Plant-Rich Diets, endorsed by over 60 organizations including the UKHACC. The section also discusses upcoming events related to climate solutions in the healthcare sector, such as the Lancet MedZero global database for carbon analytics in healthcare and the SusQI Showcase highlighting sustainability in quality improvement projects. Cities are taking action on climate change to achieve health benefits, with initiatives like the West Midlands Climate-Health Explorer and CleanMed Europe 2026 conference. The importance of creating healthier and more sustainable food systems in the UK, integrating sustainability into oversight processes, educating health professionals on climate change, and understanding the impact of extreme weather events on mental health is emphasized. The newsletter mentioned in the section can be subscribed to for updates on climate solutions and invites submissions for inclusion in future editions.

    https://ukhealthalliance.org/news-item/ukhacc-news-bulletin-may-2026/