Global Climate News

The World Bank approved a US$250 million program for Morocco to enhance the climate resilience of its agri-food system and improve food safety. A US$5 million grant from the Livable Planet Fund will support smallholder farmers in adopting climate-smart practices. The program aims to benefit 1.36 million people, including farmers and consumers.

UK-based Lyme Bay Fisherman's CIC has received a £140,000 grant from the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme for cooperation activities and marketing. The organization, representing fishers across four ports, has developed initiatives including a seafood trail, schools outreach program, and produced a film "The Last Custodians" to support sustainable local fishing communities and maintain employment for 47 fisher members.

The UK government has provided guidance on reducing Christmas-related waste and environmental impact. The article highlights significant waste issues including 3 million tonnes of additional Christmas waste, 175 tonnes of aluminum packaging from mince pies, and 227,000 miles of wrapping paper used annually. The guidance includes recommendations for sustainable tree disposal, eco-friendly decorations, reducing gift waste, and proper food waste management.

The European Commission has allocated €132 million for 2025 to promote sustainable and high-quality EU agri-food products both within the EU and globally. The program includes €28.8 million specifically for promoting organic and sustainable farming products, and €12.7 million for promoting fresh fruit and vegetables consumption. The initiative aims to develop new market opportunities for EU farmers while supporting existing business, with focus on sustainability, competitiveness, and food security.

Researchers have conducted a study on improving plant-based protein alternatives through solid-state fermentation of quinoa and lentil flours. The study examined the effects on colonic microbiota of both fermented and unfermented flours, as well as new food prototypes like gels and breads, showing potential benefits for prebiotic properties and improved nutritional value.

New Zealand has announced forecasts for its food and fibre exports to reach NZD 56.9 billion by June 2025 and NZD 58.3 billion by June 2026. The growth is driven by strong performance across dairy, meat and wool, horticulture, and forestry sectors, with dairy exports expected to grow 10% to NZD 25.5 billion and horticulture projected to reach NZD 8.0 billion. The government has implemented regulatory changes to reduce costs for farmers and drive sustainable productivity.

China-based researchers from Yanbian University have developed a new bispecific aptamer-based sensor for detecting harmful pollutants (leuco-malachite green and leuco-crystal violet) in aquatic products. The novel colorimetric aptasensor provides rapid multiplex detection with excellent sensitivity and has been successfully tested on crucian samples.

The European Union and MERCOSUR have concluded negotiations on their Partnership Agreement, which includes significant sustainability and climate commitments. The agreement includes a new Annex on Trade and Sustainable Development, reinforcing commitments to the Paris Agreement and promoting sustainable value chains for energy transition. The deal establishes mechanisms for environmental cooperation and sustainable trade between the two blocs, while maintaining rights to implement environmental measures in line with WTO rules.

New Zealand's Regional Development Minister Shane Jones has announced up to $3 million funding from the Regional Infrastructure Fund for the Tukituki Water Security Project in Hawke's Bay. The project aims to investigate technical, environmental, and commercial viability of water storage and distribution network on Makaroro River to address climate change-induced water security challenges. Additionally, a $18 million Foodeast-Haumako innovation hub has been opened to support the region's food and beverage industry.