UAE, US Launch Initiative to Boost Investment in Climate-smart Agriculture

Media coverage of the climate conference in Glasgow yesterday (Reuters)
Media coverage of the climate conference in Glasgow yesterday (Reuters)
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UAE, US Launch Initiative to Boost Investment in Climate-smart Agriculture

Media coverage of the climate conference in Glasgow yesterday (Reuters)
Media coverage of the climate conference in Glasgow yesterday (Reuters)

The United States and the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday used COP26 climate talks to launch efforts to channel funding into making agriculture resilient to climate change, as well as to cut its emissions.

The farming industry, a major part of the US economy, is already battling the effects of climate change, including unpredictable weather and increased drought and flooding.

The United Arab Emirates, which has offered to host climate talks in 2023, has grown rich from its oil revenues, but has also developed technology to improve food yields from its largely desert territory.

The two countries launched the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM for Climate) at the UN talks under way in Glasgow, Scotland, that are seen as critical to averting the most disastrous impacts of climate change.

Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Special Envoy for Climate Change, said: “AIM for Climate is focusing on a sector that has been previously overlooked in terms of the opportunities it offers for global climate action.”

“This initiative demonstrates the UAE’s holistic and inclusive approach to climate action, which characterizes our offer to host COP28,” he added.

Jaber stated that the UAE "has already driven change in the energy sector through green innovation and growth, investing more than $17 billion in clean energy around the world. AIM for Climate is a smart extension of that investment strategy, and the UAE is pleased to pledge $1 billion as part of the initiative."

Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry said, "The US is proud to be launching the Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate initiative alongside the UAE and over 80 partners across the globe."

"Investment in climate-smart agriculture innovation is critical to addressing the climate crisis. Innovation can reduce emissions, feed the world’s growing population, and help farmers and ranchers mitigate and adapt to climate change," he added.

AIM so far has the backing of more than 30 countries and 40 NGOs.

The participating governments, which span Europe, Asia and Africa, have agreed to increase public and private investment in “climate-smart agriculture” in their countries, with commitments so far, almost entirely from governments, amounting to $4 billion collectively.

As well as being on the frontline of severe weather, farming is responsible for nearly a quarter of all climate warming emissions, the AIM for Climate’s statement said.

The available funds, which are controlled by the individual governments, will be used to drive research into reducing agricultural emissions and promoting biodiversity, as well as improving farms’ climate resilience.



Saudi Arabia Welcomes Ceasefire in Lebanon

 A resident walks amid the destruction in the southern Lebanese village of Zibqin on November 27, 2024, as people who had fled the war between Israel and Hezbollah returned to check on their homes after a ceasefire between the warring sides took effect. (AFP)
A resident walks amid the destruction in the southern Lebanese village of Zibqin on November 27, 2024, as people who had fled the war between Israel and Hezbollah returned to check on their homes after a ceasefire between the warring sides took effect. (AFP)
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Saudi Arabia Welcomes Ceasefire in Lebanon

 A resident walks amid the destruction in the southern Lebanese village of Zibqin on November 27, 2024, as people who had fled the war between Israel and Hezbollah returned to check on their homes after a ceasefire between the warring sides took effect. (AFP)
A resident walks amid the destruction in the southern Lebanese village of Zibqin on November 27, 2024, as people who had fled the war between Israel and Hezbollah returned to check on their homes after a ceasefire between the warring sides took effect. (AFP)

Saudi Arabia welcomed on Wednesday the ceasefire in Lebanon, hailing the international efforts that helped achieve it.

In a statement, the Foreign Ministry hoped the ceasefire would lead to the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, preserve Lebanon’s sovereignty, security and stability, and ensure the safe return of the displaced to their homes.

The Muslim World League (MWL) welcomed the ceasefire, commending all efforts that contributed to ending the conflict and expressed its hope for continued security and stability for Lebanon and its people under its national sovereignty.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation stressed the need for all parties to commit to the ceasefire agreement through the full implementation of Resolution 1701.

OIC Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha underscored his full support for Lebanon’s stability and the right of its state to exercise its sovereignty across all Lebanese territories.

He called for humanitarian aid to meet the needs of those affected and for reconstructing what was destroyed in the war.

Moreover, he hoped that the ceasefire in Lebanon would pave the way for an immediate halt to the Israeli assault on Gaza and all occupied Palestinian territories.