Future Energy Insights

How can renewable energy help address global food security?

World Future Energy Summit Season 1 Episode 11

What role can renewable energy solutions and agri-tech play in feeding the world and supporting net-zero goals? 

The world’s food production systems are responsible for over 25% of global greenhouse gas emissions with agri-food systems consuming around 30% of the world’s energy. The United Nations has said that farming must become more sustainable to address the climate crisis and feed a rapidly rising global population, which is set to grow by a further two billion people by 2050.

From the implementation of renewable energy solutions such as solar arrays for agri-voltaic farming and geothermal greenhouses to the circular benefits of agricultural biogas, farmers and stakeholders across the food production value chain are switching on to change.

Emerging technologies also have a vital role to play, with smart irrigation systems, artificial intelligence, precision agriculture, sensors, and the Internet of Things a sampling of the emerging digital innovations that hold the potential to support long-term food security and mitigate climate change trends.

With a glaring gap between the challenges facing the Global North and the world’s least developed nations, in episode 11, we discuss where should governments and sector stakeholders' priorities be focused, and what needs to be done to ensure that everyone stands to benefit from renewable energy and tech solutions.

Moderator Jeffrey Beyer, Founder, and Managing Director of Zest Associates, is joined by Samantha Kayruz, Strategy & Sustainability Impact Director at Goumbook; Youssef Chehade Co-Founder and Business partner at Ecyclex and ReLoop app; and Stuart Oda Founder of Alesca Life.

Powered by World Future Energy Summit, the Future Energy Insights show seeks to address the biggest challenges shaping the future of energy today, both in the Middle East and around the world. Find us on social media at @WFES