Agriculture Archives - State of the Planet

Alumni Spotlight: Jonathan Rubin Takes Vertical Farming to New Heights

In 2021, Rubin launched Fresh Florida Farms, which grows non-GMO hydroponic lettuce, microgreens, sprouts, herbs, and other leafy greens in Boca Raton.

by Brett Essler |June 6, 2023

Exploring the Sundarbans and Back to Dhaka

Our group of 24 Americans and Bangladeshis continued to explore the Sundarbans mangrove forest, rice farming in embanked low-lying islands, and heritage sites of Bangladesh.

by |March 22, 2023

Whole Food Systems: Jessica Fanzo Looks at How Food Connects With Everything Else

The Columbia Climate School’s newest faculty member strives to improve food systems to deliver healthy, equitable, and environmentally sustainable diets.

by Emily Halnon |March 9, 2023

Without Changes, Global Food Systems May Drive World Beyond Climate Targets, Says Study

Production of meat, dairy and rice are the leading sources of food-related emissions. Improved management practices and changes in diet could go a long way to addressing the issues.

by |March 6, 2023

Maprooms Turn ‘Shapeless’ Climate Data Into Powerful Tools of Action

‘Maprooms’ are freely accessible, online analytical and visualization tools to make climate data more usable. Developed at the International Research Institute for Climate and Society, they are now being tailored and scaled to support adaptation in African agriculture.

by Amanda Grossi |February 9, 2023
map showing different color markers for stations on different networks

Digital Innovation Harnesses Power of Real-time Weather Data

A new tool is helping national meteorological services and regional climate centers across Africa harness real-time weather data for decision-making in agriculture.

by Amanda Grossi and Francesco Fiondella |February 6, 2023

Meet the Next Generation of Africa’s Climate Forecasters

New state-of-the-art forecasting systems are enabling regional and national meteorological agencies to generate timely and decision-relevant climate information for their agricultural sectors.

by Amanda Grossi and Francesco Fiondella |February 3, 2023
man sits at a fruit stand

COP27: Meaningful Progress and Missed Opportunities on Food System Emissions

Did the conference deliver on its billing as the first “food COP”?

by Benjamin Ritter and Kevin Karl |December 16, 2022

Flooding Significantly Impacts African Food Security, Says Study

At a time when flooding is overtaking many parts of the world, millions of people in Africa are going hungry when croplands, livestock and infrastructure are inundated. But the results are complicated.

by |October 17, 2022
squash plants on a farm

Stop Making Farmers Pay to Fight Climate Change

Regenerative agriculture is one way to farm more sustainably. The Farm Bill, up for renewal in 2023, could play a key role in helping this solution come to fruition.

by Cassidy Pearson |October 6, 2022