Summary
Climate change and food security – two of the most urgent challenges the world is facing – are inextricably linked. Agriculture is both a major contributor to climate change and deeply affected by it, with vulnerable people and communities often the hardest hit. This link also means that instead of being part of the problem, our food systems can and must be part of the solution. Investment in science and evidence-based innovations is key to both transforming fragile food, land and water systems and tackling climate change. Technologies and innovations driven by data and science and supported by appropriate and inclusive policies, institutions, and adequate finance, can help farmers reduce emissions, adapt to climate change, and enhance food and nutrition security, improving their incomes and livelihoods.
Today’s youth are the stewards of this work to tackle climate change through scientific research, innovation and resilient, sustainable agriculture. They are also among those who will be most affected by the impacts of climate change as the climate crisis deepens. Empowering the next generation of scientists and farmers, and listening to their voices, are both critical for ensuring that people and planet have a bright future.
The Future is Now: How to Unlock Young Farmers’ Potential for Sustainable Future Food Systems event kicks off in the Pavilion.
Highlights
Through a number of science- and youth-focused side events, the pavilion co-hosts and partners:
- Discussed building capacity for climate change research in the next generation of scientific leaders from the Global South through the Climate, Food and Farming, Global Research Alliance Development Scholarships Programme (CLIFF-GRADS). Young scientists shared how the experience they acquired through this program has boosted their careers. Learn more.
- Explored how young people are working to transform food systems, and how they can be empowered to catalyze their potential for climate action. Learn more.
- Presented innovative projects by Israeli youth to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more.
- Examined how youth-led innovation in ag- and climate-tech contributes to making food systems more equitable, resilient and sustainable, and the policy priorities set by youth to unlock their potential as innovators. Learn more.
The Rockefeller Foundation also announced ten grants to scale indigenous and regenerative agriculture practices globally. Learn more and watch the recording.
Alongside the events, pavilion co-hosts met with key partners, including Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank and Yemi Akinbamijo, Executive Director of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA).
From left to right: Juan Lucas Restrepo, Global Director of Partnerships and Advocacy, CGIAR; Beth Dunford, Vice President, Agriculture, Human and Social Development, AfDB; Yemi Akinbamijo, Executive Director, FARA; Maria Helena Semedo, Deputy Director General, FAO; Akinwumi Adesina, President, AfDB; Claudia Sadoff, Executive Managing Director, CGIAR; Martin Fregene, Director of Agriculture and Agro-Industry, AfDB; Lotte Pang, Managing Director, Communications, CGIAR.
Reel of the day
Videos and photos
Watch recordings and see photos from the events on November 10. You can also visit the COP27 Food and Agriculture Pavilion YouTube playlist to see all recordings from the Pavilion.
Beyond the Pavilion
COP27 news
- First-ever youth-led Climate Forum establishes new allies in driving climate action. Read more.
- Youth call for establishment of a loss and damage finance facility to limit life changing impacts of climate-induced disasters on young people (UN). Read more.
- Licypriya Kangujam demands loss and damage compensation for India and other victimized countries (NBC News). Read more.
- Science Day reinforces the need to not only document climate change in a timely manner, but leverage that critical evidence to make informed policy decisions. Read more.
- Launch of the GCP report shows worrying trends for emissions and warming (BBC). Read more.
- Ongoing commitments to improving mitigation and adaptation finance (IISD). Read more.
- S. President Biden to deliver an address at COP27 on climate responsibility, and the need for long-term investments in clean energy (The Hill). Read more.
- African nations emphasize the importance of fossil fuels to their economy, echoing calls from other fossil fuel supporters to reevaluate the focus on decarbonization (Reuters, The Guardian). Read more here, here, and here.
