COP28 is the United Nations climate change conference that has been organised since the first UN climate agreement in 1992. This year's conference will take place from 30 November to 12 December in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. For the first time, Estonia will have its own pavilion at the conference, where various debates will take place. More than 50 people from Estonia will be travelling to the conference, including representatives from the Centre of Estonian Rural Research and Knowledge (METK).
Why METK is attending COP28?
Participation in COP28 underscores our commitment to driving the green transition in agriculture through research, innovation, and practical applications. Our broader objective at the conference is to showcase our contributions to the EU mission “A Soil Deal for Europe,” highlight our pioneering research in novel plant breeding techniques and circular fertilizers, and emphasize our role in providing strategic support for agricultural and food policy development.
We see COP28 as an exceptional platform for forging new connections with businesses, academic institutions, research organizations, and policymakers. By establishing these connections, we aim to explore collaborative opportunities that leverage our expertise and research infrastructure. We believe that through these collaborations, we can collectively advance sustainable agricultural practices, foster innovation, and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change. Our presence at COP28 is a testament to our dedication to these vital goals.
10th December - Food, Agriculture and Water
The Centre of Estonian Rural Research and Knowledge (METK) attends different panel discussions at the Estonian pavilion and also hosts one.
10.00–10.30 Estonian University of Life Sciences hosts a panel discussion on "Contextualized Carbon Sequestration in Agricultural Soils: Potential and Limits", where Ms. Elsa Putku, a soil science expert from METK is one of the speakers.
11.00–11.30 Estonian University of Life Sciences hosts a panel "Climate Resilient Agriculture: Is the Future of Food Organic?" where Mr. Ants-Hannes Viira, Head of Agricultural Research, and Marko Kass, Director of Research, both from METK, are the speakers.
13.00–13.30 International Agri-Food Network Emerging Ag is hosting a panel on "Cultivating Soil Health for Sustainable Food Systems," where Dr. Kalvi Tamm, Senior Researcher and Head of Agrotechnology Unit from METK, is one of the speakers.
The Centre of Estonian Rural Research and Knowledge hosts a panel "Transforming Agriculture: Harnessing Genetic Engineering and Synthetic Biology to Combat Climate Change".
In regions worldwide, the accelerating pace of climate change has outpaced traditional crop breeding. To address this critical gap, a multitude of emerging technologies beckon as powerful allies in the global battle against climate change and the environmental impact of agriculture. Key among these are innovative precision breeding methods, including CRISPR-Cas systems, synthetic biology, machine learning, and computational biology. These bioengineering tools hold immense potential for addressing large-scale global challenges and shifts in consumer habits. Join us to explore the intersection of precision breeding, climate change, biodiversity loss and the urgent need to bridge this gap.
Time: 14.00–14.30
Moderator: TBC
Speakers: Mr. Martin Kala, Junior Researcher, The Centre of Estonian Rural Research and Knowledge, Ms. Aveliina Helm, Professor of Restoration Ecology, University of Tartu, Ms. Evelin Loit-Harro, Professor of Sustainable Agriculture, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Mr. Ants-Hannes Viira, Head of Agricultural Research, The Centre of Estonian Rural Research and Knowledge
