Alliance of global partners attracted more than a billion dollars in the next three years to support the implementation of the climate prediction innovation package, developed by a scalable innovation mechanism in agriculture 'AIM for Scale'. This step was presented against the backdrop of the summit of global leaders on climate action at the COP29 conference. The 'AIM for Scale' mechanism is aimed at launching additional innovations capable of addressing the complex challenges of climate change, food security, and sustainable agriculture.
In collaboration with the Climate Innovation Commission, the 'AIM for Scale' mechanism developed a package of innovations for delivering quality climate forecasts to millions of farmers worldwide. This package of innovations utilizes the possibilities of artificial intelligence to support national meteorological services in providing quality climate forecasts to support farmers.
The presentation and dissemination of these forecasts to farmers can enhance their ability to adapt to climate changes, particularly considering that forecasting has become increasingly unreliable due to climate change. This step is based on prior experience and recognizes the necessity of various countries' needs, highlighting the importance of including gender equality to ensure equitable and inclusive engagement.
Dr. Amina bint Abdullahi al-Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environmental Affairs, officiated the launch of the 'AIM for Scale' mechanism following the significant achievements of the 'AIM for Climate' initiative. She noted that at COP26 three years ago, the UAE, in partnership with the USA, launched the 'AIM for Climate' initiative aimed at attracting investments in innovations in agricultural systems globally.
On the other hand, speaking at the COP29 conference, Mariam al-Mehiri, Chair of the International Consultant Bureau of the Presidential Administration, emphasized the importance of international cooperation and partnerships between the UAE and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. She noted that partnerships aimed at supporting initiatives such as the innovative climate forecasting packages developed by 'AIM for Scale' can accelerate the process of transitioning climate systems in agriculture and secure more investments in this sector.
The Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization, Celeste Saulo, stated that the enhanced presentation of data facilitates improved climate forecasts, early warning systems, and climate information services in agriculture and other important economic sectors, and emphasized the need for closer partnerships to ensure the delivery of climate and weather services to farmers.
The leader of the National Meteorological Center and the general director of the World Meteorological Organization, Dr. Abdulla Al-Mandus emphasized the importance of providing farmers with quality meteorological information and noted that the launch of the innovative climate forecast package is a qualitative breakthrough in supporting millions of farmers whose livelihoods are under threat due to climate change.
The deputy sector head at the Asian Development Bank, Fatima Yasmin, expressed the understanding of the importance of the bank needing to provide climate forecasts to strengthen adaptation to climate change in Asia and the Pacific region. The bank joined this partnership to enhance access to quality climate forecasts across various economic sectors, expand investments based on facts, increase farmers' access to precise climate predictions, and support digital options for agriculture.
