Climate Funding, Agricultural Technology, Sustainable Nutrition

AIM for Climate exceeded US$17 billion in funding during COP28 in Dubai. Meanwhile the Federal Telecommunications Institute reported that Mexico is experiencing a lag in agricultural automation.

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AIM for Climate Hits US$17 Billion in Funding

AIM for Climate, announced it had exceeded US$17 billion in funding. This figure comprises US$12 billion from government sources, and US$5 billion from non-governmental associates. Moreover, during the climate summit, AIM for Climate unveiled 27 new projects, each valued between US$150,000 and US$500 million. Among these initiatives stands a sustainable agriculture project centered around coffee production, which involves the participation of Mexican specialists. 

Exhaustive Strategies, Worker Protection Crucial in Climate Fight

Patricia Toledo, Sustainability Director, Syngenta, underscores the impact of climate change on Mexico's agri-food sector, emphasizing challenges faced by growers. According to Toledo, Syngenta Seeds addresses these challenges by prioritizing the safety and well-being of agricultural workers, providing training to over 12 million individuals globally. “We firmly believe that the future of agriculture hinges on the prosperity of growers and their communities,” emphasizes Toledo. Looking forward to 2024, Syngenta acknowledges the imperative for collaborative efforts to address the escalating challenges posed by climate change, with the aim to improve both profitability and sustainability in food production.

State of Agricultural Technology: Challenges, Concerns

The Federal Telecommunications Institute reported that Mexico is experiencing a lag in agricultural automation and the use of networks for crop monitoring. In 2022, 3G and 4G networks in rainfed agricultural production units dropped from 94% to 89%, marking a 5% decline compared to 2021. This poses challenges for Mexican farmers in accessing crucial tools like GPS and applications designed to optimize water and fertilizers use, as well as pest control, being the states of Chiapas and Oaxaca the most affected, with decreases of 30% and 36.9% in coverage, respectively. Specialists warned that without the implementation of public policies to enhance digital networks in agricultural regions, the sector is at risk of losing competitiveness.

Sustainable Feast: The Environmental Benefits of Eating Crickets

Francisca Castellanos, CEO, Crick Superfoods, talks about the crucial role of crickets in feeding future generations, while contributing to environmental preservation. Castellanos highlights that in the face of climate change and food insecurity, crickets and other insects have emerged as a promising source of sustainable and efficient protein, given their much lower environmental impact. “By adopting the consumption of crickets as a source of protein, we can drastically reduce our ecological footprint and contribute to climate change mitigation,” underscored the CEO.