> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://newsletters.qs.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # ⛰️ Enviro Futures #13 - URL: https://newsletters.qs.com/enviro-futures-13/ - Published: 2024-10-21T11:30:28.000Z - Updated: 2024-10-21T11:30:27.000Z - Description: HolonIQ's Enviro Newsletter covers the latest developments in food systems, oceans and water, forestry and fishing, and air quality and highlights the week's top environment deals. - Author: QS - Tags: Green Skills **Happy Monday 👋** Worsening extreme climate changes and geopolitical events have exacerbated food insecurity in the world as the [global food price index reached a record high](https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/pw65tugld?ref=newsletters.qs.com) according to the Food and Agriculture Organization. The Omani government [signed contracts worth $16M](https://www.zawya.com/en/world/middle-east/oman-signs-155mln-pacts-to-boost-agriculture-sector-fjsiuorr?ref=newsletters.qs.com) to enhance the sustainability of agriculture in the region as global heat reaches record levels. Another analysis by the World Resources Institute (WRI) highlights that [increasing threats, including climate change and resource depletion, are jeopardizing water availability](https://www.businessgreen.com/news/4370294/study-quarter-worlds-crops-grown-threatened-water-supply-risks?ref=newsletters.qs.com). This, in turn, endangers global food security, as one-quarter of the world's crops are cultivated in regions facing significant water supply risks. This week, Algeria, facing severe drought conditions, unveiled a [$5.4B plan to produce drinking water from the sea](https://www.energyconnects.com/news/utilities/2024/october/drought-hit-algeria-has-5-4-billion-plan-to-make-drinking-water-from-sea/?ref=newsletters.qs.com), seeking renewable energy solutions. Amidst allegations of fraud and accusations of greenwashing leveled against the carbon offset market, [Meta pledged to contract at least $35 million](https://www.businessgreen.com/news/4369408/meta-pledges-secure-usd35m-carbon-removal-contracts?ref=newsletters.qs.com) for carbon removal projects within the next year in response to the U.S. Department of Energy's CO2 removal challenge. ## **🌱** Food Systems **🌍 Climate Change and Wars Drive Global Food Prices to Record Highs.** The [global food price index reached a record high](https://www.calcalistech.com/ctechnews/article/pw65tugld?ref=newsletters.qs.com) due to the worsening of extreme climate changes and geopolitical events, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). **🌾 Oman boosts agriculture sector with $15.5M contracts.** The Omani government signed contracts worth [$16M to support the agricultural sector](https://www.zawya.com/en/world/middle-east/oman-signs-155mln-pacts-to-boost-agriculture-sector-fjsiuorr?ref=newsletters.qs.com) in the Dhofar governorate. The contracts aim to enhance the sustainability of agriculture in the region. **🌾 England suffers one of its worst harvests on record due to climate change.** England experienced one of its [worst harvests on record](https://www.businessgreen.com/news/4368537/climate-change-blame-england-suffers-worst-harvests-record?ref=newsletters.qs.com), with key crops like wheat, barley, and oilseed rape severely impacted by record winter rainfall attributed to climate change. ## 🌊 Oceans and Water **🌎 Quarter of World's Crops Threatened by Water Supply Risks.** A new analysis by the World Resources Institute (WRI) warns that growing risks such as climate change and resource scarcity are [threatening water supplies, and ultimately food security f](https://www.businessgreen.com/news/4370294/study-quarter-worlds-crops-grown-threatened-water-supply-risks?ref=newsletters.qs.com)or a quarter of the world's crops grown in areas threatened by water supply risks. **🌊 Severe Flooding Displace Millions in Kogi, Nigeria.** Severe flooding in Kogi State, Nigeria [displaced nearly 2 million people](https://www.africanews.com/2024/10/15/over-2-million-displaced-200-communities-submerged-as-floods-ravage-kogi-nigeria/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) and submerged over 200 communities as of October 14, 2024. **💧 Drought-Hit Algeria's $5.4 Billion Plan to Produce Drinking Water From Sea.** Algeria, facing drought conditions, unveiled a[ $5.4 billion plan](https://www.energyconnects.com/news/utilities/2024/october/drought-hit-algeria-has-5-4-billion-plan-to-make-drinking-water-from-sea/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) to produce drinking water from the sea and seek renewable energy solutions. ## ♻️ Environmental Services ## **🌍 UN: Southern Africa faces worst hunger crisis in decades due to El Niño.** Five countries in Southern Africa - Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe [declared national disasters ](https://www.africanews.com/2024/10/15/un-southern-africa-faces-worst-hunger-crisis-in-decades-due-to-el-nino/?ref=newsletters.qs.com)due to severe drought and hunger caused by the El Niño weather phenomenon. **🌳 Meta Pledges $35M for Carbon Removal Projects.** Meta pledged to contract at least [$35 million](https://www.businessgreen.com/news/4369408/meta-pledges-secure-usd35m-carbon-removal-contracts?ref=newsletters.qs.com) for carbon removal projects, within the next year, in response to the U.S. Department of Energy's CO2 removal challenge. **🌍 Egypt and Greece Explore CCS and Green Hydrogen Cooperation.** The Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources of Egypt and Greece held talks on bilateral cooperation in carbon capture and storage (CCS) and green hydrogen projects, signaling[ a new phase in Egyptian-Greek energy relations](https://hydrogen-central.com/egyptian-greek-energy-relations-enter-new-phase-with-bilateral-green-hydrogen-talks/?ref=newsletters.qs.com). ## 🐟 Forestry and Fishing ## 🌲 **Long recovery awaits Helene-damaged national forests.** Flooding triggered landslides that [changed the landscape](https://www.eenews.net/articles/long-recovery-awaits-helene-damaged-national-forests/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) of western North Carolina's Pisgah National Forest. **🌳 Timber Risks Losing Global Battle for Land.** Researchers have outlined a 'worst-case' scenario where [deforestation occurs as land is increasingly used](https://www.farmersweekly.co.nz/news/timber-risks-losing-global-battle-for-land/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) for food production instead of timber. **🌲 Save the Redwoods League Acquires 750 Acres for Future Parks Expansion.** Save the Redwoods League, a non-profit organization, purchased[ 750 acres ](https://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/2024/10/13/save-the-redwoods-league-acquires-750-acres-of-redwood-forest-in-sonoma-and-mendocino-counties-for-future-parks-expansions/?ref=newsletters.qs.com)of redwood forest land from private landowners in Sonoma and Mendocino counties, California, intending to add it to existing state natural reserves. ## 💨 Air Quality ## **☠️ Coal Plants Causing Health Crisis in Southeast Asia.** Coal-fired power plants in Southeast Asia are [causing a health crisis](https://www.eco-business.com/news/health-and-climate-risks-overlap-in-coal-burning-southeast-asia/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) due to fine particle pollution, leading to millions of premature deaths annually. **⚖️ Hawaii Court Rules Greenhouse Gases as Pollutants, Insurers Liable for Climate Litigation Costs.** The Hawaii Supreme Court [ruled that greenhouse gases are pollutants](https://www.eenews.net/articles/hawaii-court-buffers-insurers-from-climate-litigation-costs/?ref=newsletters.qs.com), allowing insurers to be held liable for costs related to climate change litigation. This is the first time a state supreme court has recognized greenhouse gases as pollutants. **🌀 Climate Change Drives Rise in 'Christmas Typhoons' in the Philippines.** A report from the Philippine Climate Change Assessment reveals a [significant increase in 'Christmas typhoons'](https://www.eco-business.com/news/climate-change-drives-upsurge-in-christmas-typhoons-in-the-philippines/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) and tropical cyclone-induced rainfall in the Philippines over recent decades due to human-induced climate change. ## **💰** Environment Deals **🔥 German startup OroraTech raises $32 Million to scale wildfire early warning system.** Munich-based startup OroraTech secured [$32 million](https://techfundingnews.com/ai-powered-wildfire-detection-startup-ororatech-picks-e25m-to-expand-satellite-tech/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) in funding led by Korys, the investment arm of the Belgian Colruyt family, to scale up its AI-powered wildfire detection system. **🌱 Scope3 Raises $25 Million in Funding for Sustainability Platform.** Scope3, a New York City-based company providing a collaborative sustainability platform for decarbonizing media and advertising, raised [$25 million](https://www.esgtoday.com/digital-media-decarbonization-platform-scope3-raises-25-million-to-tackle-climate-impact-of-ai/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) in funding. **💰 NYC Cacao Brand Blue Stripes Raises $20M Series B.** Blue Stripes, a cacao brand based in New York City, raised [$20 million](https://www.finsmes.com/2024/10/blue-stripes-raises-20m-in-series-b-funding.html?ref=newsletters.qs.com) in Series B funding. **🌳 $11.2 Million Seed Round for AirForestry's Fossil-Free Aerial Forestry.** AirForestry, a company developing aerial tree planting technology, has raised [$11.2 million](https://news.cision.com/airforestry/r/10-3m-seed-round-to-power-airforestry-s-fossil-free-aerial-forestry,c4049254?ref=newsletters.qs.com) in a seed funding round to support its fossil-free aerial forestry operations. **🌱 Algiecel raises $7 Million for microalgae technology.** Algiecel, a Danish bio solutions company, raised [$7 million ](https://www.aquafeed.com/products/suppliers-news/algiecel-raises-65-million-to-scale-up-microalgae-technology/?ref=newsletters.qs.com)to scale up its microalgae-based technology that utilizes CO2 and biology to serve the feed and food industries. --- **Thank you for reading. Have a great week ahead!** Have some feedback or suggestions? Let us know at hello@holoniq.com [ ](https://newsletters.qs.com/psychedelic-mental-health-treatments-south-asia-health-tech-100-2/)