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Research Highlights Systemic Strategies for Building Resilience in Agri-Food Systems Against Global Shocks

Research Highlights Systemic Strategies for Building Resilience in Agri-Food Systems Against Global Shocks

An editorial analysis in 'Agriculture and Food Security' synthesizes research across agricultural systems, emphasizing how climate-resilient farming, structural policies, and targeted dietary interventions are crucial for building resilience against environmental and economic crises. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal to end hunger and promote sustainable agriculture faces persistent vulnerabilities exacerbated by climate change, economic volatility, and geopolitical instability. The analysis, drawing on definitions from the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Health Organization, defines sustainable healthy diets as those providing sufficient safe, nutritious food while minimizing environmental footprints and protecting against malnutrition. The research organizes contemporary scientific insights into five thematic pillars: climate-resilient farming, sustainable production technologies, food environments shaping diets, governance policies, and supply chain waste reduction. It conc...
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UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Turkey to Prioritize Ocean-Based Climate Action

UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Turkey to Prioritize Ocean-Based Climate Action

The upcoming UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Turkey, is poised to significantly elevate the role of oceans in the global climate agenda. Following last year's conference in Belém, Brazil, which focused on forests, COP31 aims to center ocean-based climate action. Over 100 countries have already signed a letter advocating for the ocean to be recognized as a core component of the Paris climate agreement. This initiative seeks to integrate ocean considerations into discussions on emission reduction, resilience building, and climate finance. Furthermore, the latest ocean science is expected to inform the next global stocktake, introducing accountability for ocean-related commitments that countries will be required to report on. The conference will also encourage countries with coastlines to join the Blue NDC Challenge, committing to ocean-based solutions for national climate goals, including greening ports, shipping, and developing offshore renewables. A critical aspect will be addressing the f...
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UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) Scheduled for November 2026 in Turkey

UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) Scheduled for November 2026 in Turkey

The thirty-first session of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) is scheduled to take place from November 9 to November 20, 2026, at the Antalya Exhibition Center in Antalya, Turkey. This annual conference, which has been held since 1995, serves as the largest international gathering for negotiating and advancing global cooperation on climate change. Representatives from governments, international organizations, scientific communities, businesses, civil society institutions, and environmental activists are expected to attend. Murat Kurum will chair the conference, with Chris Bowen, Australia’s Minister for Climate Change and Energy, chairing the negotiations. A World Leaders’ Summit is planned for November 11 and 12, bringing together heads of state and government. Key themes for COP31 include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning from fossil fuels to clean energy, financing climate action in developing countries, adapting to climate change, and promoting climate justice. The conference aims...
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COP31 UN Climate Change Conference to Address Global Climate Governance and Action

COP31 UN Climate Change Conference to Address Global Climate Governance and Action

The 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is scheduled to take place in Antalya, Turkey, from November 9 to 20, 2026. This annual conference serves as the largest international gathering for negotiating and advancing global cooperation on climate change. Key themes for COP31 include strengthening commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, accelerating the transition from fossil fuels to clean energy, providing climate finance to developing countries, enhancing adaptation to climate change impacts, and promoting climate justice. The conference aims to translate political will into effective action and practical cooperation, with a focus on implementing climate solutions and advancing the global energy transition. Murat Kurum will chair the conference, with Chris Bowen, Australia’s Minister for Climate Change and Energy, chairing negotiations. A World Leaders’ Summit is also planned for November 11 and 12.
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COP31 to Address Climate Action on Agriculture and Food Security, Emphasizing Sustainable Systems

COP31 to Address Climate Action on Agriculture and Food Security, Emphasizing Sustainable Systems

The 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) is set to be a critical forum for advancing climate action in agriculture and food security. According to the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, COP31 will focus on elevating food security and sustainable agriculture as political priorities. The conference will review the progress and outcomes of the Sharm el-Sheikh Joint Work on Implementation of Climate Action on Agriculture and Food Security (SJWA), whose mandate concludes at COP31. Parties will consider the second annual synthesis report on SJWA activities and workshops from 2025 and 2026. Türkiye, as the COP31 President-Designate, has prioritized supporting food security and developing sustainable agricultural systems, planning high-level dialogues on the roles of women and youth in farming. The conference aims to ensure agriculture and food remain central to future UNFCCC discussions, either through extending the SJWA or establishing a successor program.
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COP31 Presidency Mandates 60% Meat-Free Catering and Plant-Based Cafes to Address Climate Impact of Food Systems

COP31 Presidency Mandates 60% Meat-Free Catering and Plant-Based Cafes to Address Climate Impact of Food Systems

The 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, hosted in Antalya, Turkey, has set a goal for 60% of its catering to be meat-free. Additionally, the conference will feature two fully plant-based cafes on-site and has invited two local vegan businesses to participate in the food court. This initiative, supported by the Food & Climate Action Group, aims to highlight the connection between global food systems and climate change. The decision follows a UN-backed report indicating that most countries will not meet 2030 food systems goals, particularly regarding greenhouse gas emission reductions. Previous COP summits have shown varying commitments to plant-based options, with COP28 making two-thirds of its menu meat-free, while COP29 in Baku faced criticism for limited and mislabeled vegetarian options. COP31's focus on clearer labeling, including ingredient and nutritional information, is also part of this effort to enable informed choices for delegates.
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COP31 Panel to Address Methane Emission Reduction in Agriculture for Food Security

COP31 Panel to Address Methane Emission Reduction in Agriculture for Food Security

The 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) will feature a panel discussion focused on reducing methane emissions from beef cattle while simultaneously advancing food security and supporting rural livelihoods. Co-hosted by the Clean Air Task Force, Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Environmental Defense Fund, Climate and Clean Air Coalition, and Food and Land Use Coalition, the event will bring together government, research, industry, and civil society perspectives. The discussion will explore how science, supportive policies, collaboration, and corporate action can achieve these goals. The panel will draw on two global initiatives: the Resilient Agriculture Investment for Net Zero Land Degradation (RAIZ) and Integrating Agricultural Development and Methane Mitigation, both aimed at advancing agricultural productivity, climate mitigation, and sustainable land management.
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EU Commission Prioritizes Clean Electrification and Climate Finance at COP31

EU Commission Prioritizes Clean Electrification and Climate Finance at COP31

The European Union Commission is set to participate in the COP31 UN Climate Change Conference in Antalya, Türkiye, from November 9-20, 2026. The EU's primary objective at the conference is to collaborate with international partners to accelerate global climate action and fulfill the commitments of the Paris Agreement. Amidst increasing geopolitical and energy security challenges, the Commission emphasizes the growing socio-economic imperative for clean electrification, the widespread adoption of clean and renewable energy sources, a transition away from fossil fuels, and the mobilization of significant investment. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted Europe's commitment to leading by example, aiming to become the first climate-neutral continent. The EU will also promote its 'Electrify Now' global campaign, advocate for carbon pricing through the Open Coalition on Compliance Carbon Markets, and advance green industrialization via the Climate Club. Various EU Commissioners will atte...
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COP31 Conference Emphasizes Human Rights as Central to Climate Action Amidst Global Disasters

COP31 Conference Emphasizes Human Rights as Central to Climate Action Amidst Global Disasters

The 31st United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP31) in Turkey is set to prioritize human rights as a core component of climate action, following a summer marked by devastating climate disasters globally. Catastrophic flash floods in Nepal, record-breaking heat, and widespread wildfires in Oceania and North America have underscored the severe threats to lives, human rights, and nature posed by even minimal exceedances of the 1.5-degree temperature limit of the Paris Agreement. The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) is urging parties at COP31 to fulfill their obligations under the Paris Agreement by integrating human rights into all decisions, from the transition away from fossil fuels to electrification and finance targets. The conference aims to accelerate climate action to return to below 1.5 degrees, recognizing that those least responsible for historical emissions often suffer the most from climate impacts.
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Nigerian Minister Warns of Severe Food Insecurity for 33.5 Million by Mid-2027 Amidst El Niño Strengthening

Nigerian Minister Warns of Severe Food Insecurity for 33.5 Million by Mid-2027 Amidst El Niño Strengthening

Nigeria's Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, has issued a stark warning regarding projected food insecurity in the nation. According to an October Cadre Harmonisé assessment, approximately 33.5 million people in Nigeria could face severe food and nutrition insecurity between June and August 2027. This projection covers 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The minister cited inconsistent rainfall, prolonged dry spells, and the El Niño phenomenon as contributing factors to the agricultural pressures. Concurrently, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported in its October seasonal outlook that El Niño is expected to strengthen further from November 2026 to January 2027, likely peaking around December. While both warnings are significant, the source emphasizes that the food insecurity projection is not solely attributable to El Niño, and specific localized impacts of El Niño on Nigeria's 2027 rainfall patterns are yet to be definitively forecast by the Nigerian Meteoro...
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AP Exclusive: Departing UN chief calls this 'a moment of truth' in fight to curb global warming

AP Exclusive: Departing UN chief calls this 'a moment of truth' in fight to curb global warming

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has a powerful message at the climate talks in Turkey
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UNFCCC COP31 to Address Ocean-Climate Interventions in Turkey

UNFCCC COP31 to Address Ocean-Climate Interventions in Turkey

The 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP31) is scheduled to take place from November 9 to 20, 2026, at the Antalya Expo Center in Antalya, Turkey. This conference will focus on the critical role of the ocean in maintaining climate stability and will explore various ocean-based approaches to complement emissions reductions and adaptation efforts. Discussions will encompass a range of topics, including seaweed-based products for decarbonization, marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR), and research into Arctic sea ice preservation and restoration. Key themes will involve examining the scientific evidence, governance frameworks, community participation, and the capacity required to responsibly evaluate these approaches. Ocean Visions, an organization dedicated to ocean-climate solutions, will contribute to sessions on scaling seaweed-based products, Arctic tipping points, and the evaluation of ocean-climate interventions in different national and...