The United Kingdom will develop crops capable of adapting to climate change

London — United Kingdom is launching a new scientific initiative to develop flood-resistant rice, pest-resistant wheat and other crops capable of adapting to climate changeBritish Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced on Monday.

Sunak participated alongside ministers, diplomats and philanthropists from around 20 countries in a conference called the Global Summit on Food Security in Londonwhere he urged world leaders to use artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies to end malnutrition globally.

Sunak told delegates that it is urgent “a fundamental change” to deal with the food security crisis, worsened by the climate change. He focused on the role of science and announced that the UK will create a “virtual science centre” linking international experts working on more resilient crops. Such a center will be part of a global research association known as CGIAR.

“Climate change, conflict and population growth bring greater challenges to the food supply”Sunak said: “We therefore need a fundamental change in the way we approach food security, with a long-term approach in order to stop crises before they occur. And we need to use the full power of science and technology to ensure that food is resilient to conflict, drought and floods.”.

The event was co-sponsored by Somalia, the United Arab Emirates, the Children’s Investment Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The conference coincided with the publication of a “revitalised” British strategy to end extreme poverty and tackle climate change and biodiversity loss.

The document sets out the UK’s foreign aid targets until 2030, and confirms that Britain will not restore development aid to 0.7% of gross domestic product – after it was cut to 0.5% during the coronavirus pandemic. until the fiscal situation allows it.”. Instead, the UK will invest to help countries strengthen their defenses against natural disasters, raising more money from the private sector for development and fostering “mutually respectful” relationships with developing nations, the report said. document.