food security
COP29: New Initiatives and Financing for Combating Climate Change and Achieving Peace
The first week of the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), held in Baku, has concluded, with the event running until November 22. As previously reported, the opening days were marked by several key moments. Among them was reaching…
Sand and Dust Storms are More Intense and Frequent, Threatening Agriculture and Communities
Sand and dust storms (SDS) have increased dramatically in intensity and frequency in recent years, especially in some regions, highlighting how the phenomenon damages crops and livestock, worsens desertification, and causes health problems, with an estimated 2 billion tonnes of…
Oil Spill in Mauritius Calls for More Efforts to Safeguard Coral Reef Ecosystems
On July 25, 2020, a Japanese cargo ship struck a reef on the southeast coast of Mauritius, leaking tons of oil into coral reefs, pristine turquoise water lagoons and unique ecosystems of the island nation. The grounded ship split up,…
Record Temperature Trajectory Threatens to Breach 1.5°C Global Heating Threshold
New climate data from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) predicts that the annual mean global temperature is likely to be at least 1.0°C above pre-industrial levels (1850-1900) in each of the coming five years (2020-2024) and there is a 20…
Global Food Markets Still Brace for Uncertainty in 2020/21 Because of COVID-19 Says FAO
Food markets will face many more months of uncertainty due to COVID-19, but the agri-food sector is likely to show more resilience to the pandemic crisis than other sectors, according to a new report released by the Food and Agriculture…
Coral Reefs Are ‘Glowing’ in a Desperate Bid to Survive Warmer Seas
A global study has revealed exactly why corals glow during ocean heatwaves: to try and survive. The research by the University of Southampton’s Coral Reef Laboratory shows that some corals exhibit a dazzling colourful display when they suffer bleaching due…
Honey Bees Feel Sting of Viral Disease
There’s nothing new in nature. Viruses have been around for as long as plants and animals, if not longer. Most viruses are benign to humans and other animals and in fact are essential for life. Some—as humans are finding out…