The Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM for Climate) initiative recently announced more than doubling of investments, partners and Innovation Sprints in transformative climate-smart agriculture and food systems innovation, at the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28)
The global initiative spearheaded by the UAE and US increased investment of more than US$17bn, up from US$8bn at COP27. These investments are enabled and supported by a coalition comprising of governments, businesses, academia, non-profits and think tanks, among others. This diverse group has more than doubled in partners to more than 600. The AIM for Climate initiative has also introduced 21 Innovation Sprints, initiatives led and self-funded by partners to achieve expedited results in agricultural and food systems innovation. There are now 78 Innovation Sprints in total, more than double what was announced at COP27, aligned with one or more of AIM for Climate’s Innovation Sprint focal areas: smallholder farmers in low- and middle-income countries; emerging technologies; agroecological research; and methane reduction.
These announcements underpin AIM for Climate’s progress in significantly increasing investment in and other support for climate-smart agriculture and food systems innovation over the period of 2021-25. Along with emphasising the urgent need for innovative approaches in agriculture and food systems, the dignitaries at the event also highlighted the importance of investing in climate-smart agriculture and food systems, demonstrating AIM for Climate's commitment to addressing climate change and global hunger.
“We are witnessing tremendous progress in transforming the global food and agricultural systems at COP28, which has placed the theme at the heart of the Presidency agenda," said UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri. "The significant traction gained by AIM for Climate is another step in promoting climate-smart agriculture, driven by innovation and advanced technology, which is critical to strengthening productivity and building sectoral resilience.”
"Our joint efforts are not just about climate-smart agricultural advancements but about nurturing ambition, catalysing action, and fostering hope towards a more sustainable, resilient, and prosperous world for all,” added US Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack.
For more information, visit: https://aimforclimate.org/
