Thank you for Subscribing to Environmental Business Review Weekly Brief
Mitigating climate change must be a priority for businesses, governments, and civil society. Each of us plays a role in ensuring that the Paris Agreement’s goal—limiting the rise in global surface temperature to 1.5 °C (2.7 °F) above pre-industrial levels—is pursued. This is vital; a lower temperature increase means fewer and less severe effects of climate change. However, we are already experiencing a shift toward more extreme weather patterns, making the need for resilience— essentially adaptation—paramount. The consequences of climate change are evident, from increased flooding in Asia, Latin America and Europe to extreme heatwaves and devastating wildfires in North America, such as those around Los Angeles this year. In 2024 alone, the U.S. faced 27 individual weather and climate disasters, each causing at least $1 billion in damages, according to NOAA Climate.gov. These events highlight the urgent need for adaptive strategies as we confront a changing environment.
Compounding this issue is the challenge of water scarcity. Agriculture is the largest consumer of freshwater, accounting for approximately 70 percent of all freshwater withdrawals—a fact that underscores the critical link between water availability and food production. This precious natural resource is limited; and despite advancements in technology, water remains a key factor influencing food security in the coming years. According to the World Resources Institute (WRI), one-quarter of the world’s crops are grown in areas facing high levels of water stress, jeopardizing agricultural output. As these realities unfold, the urgency for action becomes even more apparent. The FAO estimates that in 2024, between 638 and 720 million people—7.8 to 8.8 percent of the global population— faced hunger. The pressures exerted by climate change and water scarcity on food systems not only exacerbate this global crisis but also emphasize the necessity of immediate, resilient strategies to combat food insecurity and nutritional challenges. To address these pressing issues, we must boldly integrate resilience into our strategies across all levels of organizations. While continuing our mitigation efforts is essential, we must also accelerate innovative platforms that empower growers worldwide to become more resilient to climate impacts. How can we accomplish this? In my experience within the private sector, the first step is ensuring that your organization understands the business case for resilience. This understanding is crucial, as it drives your research and development (R&D) efforts toward solutions that enhance resilience. Each industry requires a tailored approach, particularly in agriculture, where many farmers focus on the upcoming season. However, with the ongoing extremes of weather and water issues projected over the next decade, we must start shifting our R&D focus today to provide farmers with new solutions in the future. Our innovation and testing cycles are long, making early adaptation imperative. Here are several strategic angles to explore: 1. Assess Risks: Identify the risks climate change poses to your business. Understanding the potential costs of inaction on adaptation and resilience is vital. 2. Explore Opportunities: In the food sector—especially in the fruits and vegetables industry—climate change may jeopardize some production regions. However, shifts in temperature and seasons may open new areas for production. Collaborate with business teams to identify these emerging regions and innovate today to meet future demands. This proactive approach positions your organization ahead of competitors while contributing to societal efforts to mitigate potential food scarcity and price inflation that disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. 3. Opportunities Beyond Core Business: Consider what additional actions your organization can take to support the resilience of the food system. These initiatives can become new business opportunities while fostering social innovation. As the environment changes, there are numerous possibilities for innovation, such as clean technology solutions like agrivoltaics systems, which can support food system resilience. The message is clear: to thrive in the future, businesses must become key change-makers, particularly in the food sector, where the challenges of nutrition and agriculture are fully integrated. Organizations must urgently prioritize resilience in their strategies, as this is essential not only for their success but also for contributing to a more sustainable and equitable world. Embracing resilience is not merely an option—it is a necessity. Together, we can transform our food systems, ensuring that every individual has access to nutritious food, even in a changing climate. Let us commit to this vital journey, fostering innovation and collaboration to create a world where food and nutrition security are a reality for all.
