Climate change affects every part of our lives, with agriculture being hit especially hard. Globally, rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and extreme weather are making it harder to grow crops and raise livestock. 

H.E. Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE’s Minister of Climate Change and Environment, highlights the dual role of agriculture in the climate crisis. She points out that while climate change significantly impacts agriculture, it is also a major contributor to the problem. The sector is responsible for a third of global greenhouse gas emissions, drives deforestation, produces substantial amounts of methane, and leads to significant biodiversity loss.

Her Excellency believes the global need for sustainable food systems has never been more urgent. “To meet the objectives of the Paris Agreement and ensure food security, the world must rethink its approach to agriculture,” she asserts. “This means increasing food production while reducing emissions, conserving resources, and building resilience against the impact of climate change in the future.”

The UAE has been actively seeking technological solutions to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in global food security, focusing on enhancing resilience and sustainability in agriculture. 

In partnership with the United States, the UAE launched the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM for Climate) at COP26 in 2021. This five-year initiative, running until 2025, aims to address the agricultural sector’s environmental impact and promote food security by nurturing climate tech innovations.

A VISION FOR SUSTAINABILITY 

“AIM for Climate’s mission is to support Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) by increasing productivity, enhancing resilience, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” explains Her Excellency. “Over the past few years, the initiative has garnered substantial support, with investments soaring from $8 billion at COP27 to over $17 billion by COP28. The number of partners has also grown from 275 at COP27 to over 600 at COP28.” 

This financial backing is crucial as the world races against time to meet climate goals.

At COP28, held in Dubai, the focus was on food system transformation. The UAE introduced the COP28 Food and Agriculture Agenda, highlighting the need for greener agricultural practices. “This agenda not only aims to reduce emissions but also to redefine food production to ensure sustainability for future generations.”

INNOVATION THROUGH COLLABORATION

Her Excellency emphasizes the unique collaborative approach of AIM for Climate, stating, “What sets AIM for Climate apart is its emphasis on collaboration. Governments, private companies, and civil society are all integral to its success.” She further explains that the initiative’s approach is threefold: boosting investment in agricultural innovation, fostering international cooperation on research, and driving actionable projects through partnerships.

Her Excellency highlights the success of Innovation Sprints, one of AIM for Climate’s key strategies. Innovation Sprints—focused projects led by private sector giants like Rabobank, PepsiCo, and Google—address specific challenges in sustainable agriculture, from improving water efficiency to developing climate-resilient crop varieties. “Over $5 billion of the $17 billion in increased investments raised by AIM for Climate comes from Innovation Sprints, which grew significantly from 30 at COP27 to 78 at COP28.” 

This substantial increase reflects the growing commitment to finding solutions.

Civil society organizations, research institutions, and universities also play a critical role, providing the research, data, and insights needed to guide policymakers and investors. “This diverse coalition ensures that AIM for Climate is not just a top-down initiative but one that integrates knowledge from all levels of society.”

LOOKING AHEAD

Her Excellency acknowledges that despite the significant progress, transforming global food systems requires more than just financial investment. “International collaboration and inclusivity are essential for the success of AIM for Climate. The initiative aims to position the agricultural sector as a key solution to the climate crisis by empowering the agricultural industry,” she emphasizes.

AIM for Climate is dedicated to aligning global climate goals with the Paris Agreement through accelerated investments in climate-smart agricultural innovations and transformative food systems. 

Her Excellency further states, “As the world prepares for COP30, the initiative will continue to catalyze action from governments, the private sector, and civil society to drive positive changes in global food systems.”