Food, Agriculture & Land Use

Challenge & Opportunity

Food systems are responsible for a significant share of global greenhouse-gas emissions, from fertilizer production and methane emissions from livestock, to deforestation and land degradation. At the same time, agriculture must feed a growing global population under increasing climate stress.

The opportunity is to redesign how food is produced, distributed, and consumed. New technologies and practices can reduce emissions, restore soils, protect ecosystems, and improve food security. Agriculture, uniquely, can move beyond “less harm” and become a net positive force for the climate.

The future of food is not just about efficiency, it’s about regeneration.

Precision Agriculture
Sensors, satellites, and AI help farmers apply water, fertilizer, and pesticides only where needed. This reduces emissions, cuts costs, and improves yields while protecting soil and waterways.

Methane Reduction in Livestock
Feed additives, breeding innovations and gas capture technology can significantly reduce methane emissions from cattle, one of agriculture’s largest climate challenges, without changing diets or farming livelihoods.

Low-Carbon Fertilizers
Traditional fertilizer production is energy-intensive and emissions-heavy. Green ammonia and biological alternatives reduce emissions while maintaining crop productivity.

Regenerative Agriculture & Land Use
Practices such as cover cropping, reduced tillage, and improved grazing restore soil health and increase carbon storage. Healthy land becomes part of the climate solution rather than a source of emissions.

Together, these approaches transform agriculture from a climate problem into a climate opportunity.

Feeding the World While Restoring the Planet

Examples

Messium
Uses hyperspectral satellite data and AI to help farmers optimize nitrogen use, improve crop yields, reduce fertilizer waste, and lower emissions through weekly, field-specific nutrient insights and actionable recommendations.
www.messium.com

Pivot Bio
Developing microbial fertilizers that reduce the need for synthetic nitrogen, cutting emissions while maintaining productivity.
www.pivotbio.com

DSM–Firmenich
A leader in methane-reducing feed additives that significantly lower livestock emissions without disrupting farming operations.
www.dsm-firmenich.com

Companies Making an Impact

Category

Climate Impact

Innovation Momentum

Scalability

Real-World Adoption

Food, Agriculture and Land Use
Climate Impact And Readiness Assessment (CIARA)

Score

9/10

8/10

7/10

7/10

Overall CIARA Score: 7.75 / 10

Food and land systems represent one of the most powerful, and underestimated, levers for climate impact and planetary restoration.

Why it Matters

Agriculture and land use affect emissions, biodiversity, and carbon storage at massive scale.

Advances in biology, data, and soil science are accelerating adoption of climate-smart practices.

Solutions must adapt to diverse regions, crops, and cultures, which takes time.

Many solutions are proven, but widespread adoption depends on incentives and education.