AIM for Climate Surpasses $17B Investments, Grows Partnerships to 600+ and Innovation Sprints to 78 at COP28

146

The Agriculture Innovation Mission for Climate (AIM for Climate), a global initiative jointly led by the United Arab Emirates and the United States, made significant announcements at the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), showcasing a substantial increase in investments, partners, and Innovation Sprints dedicated to transformative climate-smart agriculture and food systems.

With the collective support of over 600 government and non-government partners, AIM for Climate revealed a remarkable surge in investment, totaling more than $17 billion. This noteworthy increase, up from $8 billion at COP27, reflects a doubling of investments in the pursuit of climate-resilient agricultural and food innovations. Among these, over $12 billion originates from Government Partners, demonstrating a global commitment to addressing climate challenges in the agriculture sector.

Contributions to AIM for Climate’s increased investment hail from a diverse array of countries, including Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, the Dominican Republic, the European Commission, Finland, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Lithuania, Mexico, Morocco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Romania, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Uruguay, and Vietnam. Additionally, over $5 billion in investments have been pledged through Innovation Sprints.

AIM for Climate has introduced 27 new Innovation Sprints, initiatives led and self-funded by partners to accelerate results in agricultural and food systems innovation. This brings the total number of Innovation Sprints to 78, more than double the count announced at COP27. These initiatives align with AIM for Climate’s focal areas, including Smallholder Farmers in Low- and Middle-Income Countries, Emerging Technologies, Agroecological Research, and Methane Reduction. To explore all AIM for Climate Innovation Sprints, including the latest announcements at COP28, please refer to this link.

The growing success of AIM for Climate is underscored by a coalition of partners that has more than doubled in size, now exceeding 600. This diverse coalition spans governments, businesses, academia, non-profits, think tanks, and more, collectively contributing to the initiative’s goals.

The noteworthy announcements regarding increased investments, new partners, and expanded Innovation Sprints were delivered by AIM for Climate co-leads U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and UAE Minister of Climate Change & Environment, Her Excellency Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri at the UAE Pavilion during COP28. These announcements signify AIM for Climate’s progress in significantly enhancing investment and support for climate-smart agriculture and food systems innovation throughout the period of 2021 to 2025.

Dignitaries at the event emphasized the pressing need for innovative approaches in agriculture and food systems to confront the climate crisis. They highlighted the critical importance of investing in climate-smart agriculture and food systems, showcasing how AIM for Climate partners and Innovation Sprints are at the forefront of driving innovation through new investments.