Labworx

The Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM for Climate) has indicated it plans to double the amount of investment it will generate from $4 billion to $8 billion by the end of this year. Jointly led by the UAE and the USA, the coalition is tasked with mitigating the impacts of climate change whilst also bolstering food security around the world.

In particular, the Mission will focus its attentions and concentrate its spending on furthering research in climate-smart agriculture, emerging technologies and methane reduction, with a special emphasis on small holdings in low- to middle-income countries. It’s hoped that due to its geographical location and climatic conditions, the UAE’s practices can serve as an example for other nations in hot and arid parts of the world.

Aiming higher

A joint initiative between the UAE and the USA, the AIM for Climate project was inaugurated last year and has a four-year mandate to improve food security and curb environmental impact across the planet. At its first meeting last month, the group decided to double its investment total to $8 billion, which it hopes to rise by the time the COP27 summit takes place in Egypt this November.

The initiative already has the support of over 140 nations around the world, as well as many private investor funds such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. It’s the first agriculture- and climate change-focused venture of its kind.

Agriculture in the crosshairs

Given that agriculture is a chief source of methane emissions, the sector is a major contributor to global warming and climate change. At the same time, it’s also imperative to the ongoing sustenance and survival of the human race. As such, optimising existing agricultural practices in order to produce enough crops without negatively impacting on the environment is a priority concern for all humankind.

The partnership of the USA and the UAE is a logical one, given that the former is one of the biggest agricultural powers on the planet and the latter is heavily dependent on imports for its food supplies. At present, the inhospitable conditions in the Emirati desert mean that the UAE imports some 85% of its food – but it’s hoping to change all that and provide a blueprint for others to follow in the process.

Making strides

Already, the UAE has experienced encouraging results with regard to the cultivation of crops such as berries, quinoa and salmon, none of which traditionally thrive in such a hot and drought-ridden location. It has done so through new and innovative farming methods, including such techniques as vertical farming and the implementation of cutting-edge agri-tech.

“The UAE seeks to become a leading exporter of sustainable agricultural solutions for hot and arid climates,” said Mariam Al Mheiri, the UAE Minister for Climate Change and Environment. “We are keen to share our experience with our partners and work with other countries to address critical challenges of our food systems. We see ourselves as an open lab to innovate, discover and put forward solutions.”

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