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In a recent op-ed, Carl Pope called for public subsidies to fix methane leaks in oil and gas infrastructure. While we agree on the urgency of reducing methane, FracTracker Alliance rejects the idea that taxpayers should foot the bill.

The post Methane Matters, but Make Polluters Pay: FracTracker’s Response to Carl Pope appeared first on FracTracker Alliance.

Dashboard data shows how Shell’s emissions, regulatory violations, and proximity to sensitive community sites pose serious public health concerns in Beaver County, PA.

The post Shell Polymers Monaca: 17.9 Billion Pounds of Emissions and Repeated Violations in Pennsylvania appeared first on FracTracker Alliance.

22 July | Online | 16:00 UK | 17:00 CET | 11:00 NY | 08:00 SAN FRAN

Join us for a 45-minute webinar exploring how the lack of audit practice transparency poses risks to investor trust and what can be done to address it. This is your opportunity to hear from leading voices in finance, audit, and sustainability – and to ask your own questions.

        

Paul Lee                       Barbara Davidson           Tino Gonese

Redington                   Carbon Tracker                Carbon Tracker

What to expect: Tino Gonese, Analyst in the Capital Markets Transparency Team at Carbon Tracker, will open with a short presentation highlighting key insights. He’ll then be joined by a panel of experts –Paul Lee, Head of Stewardship and Sustainable Investment Strategy (Redington), and Barbara Davidson, Head of Capital Markets Transparency Team (Carbon Tracker) – for an in-depth, open audience Q&A-led discussion.

Drawing on audit reports from over 140 carbon-exposed companies this report highlights the extent to which auditors appear to be addressing, or overlooking, the financial impacts of climate and energy transition risks.

Key themes include:

• The transparency gap
• A possible audit tenure/inconsistency relationship.
• Cross border audit practice variations.
• Practical recommendations for auditors, audit committees, and regulators.
• Investor’s role in driving improved audit transparency.

This webinar is an essential for investors, regulators, audit professionals, and anyone interested in the intersection of climate risk and financial reporting.

We look forward to seeing you on the 22nd, but in the meantime, feel free to download the report or email Tino at tgonese@carbontracker.org

For previous reports in the series please see Flying Blind: The Glaring Absence of Climate Risks in Financial Reporting (2021), Still Flying Blind: The Absence of Climate Risk in Financial Reporting (2022), Flying Blind: In a Holding Pattern (2024), and ​​Flying Blind: Accounting and Audit Regulation (2025).  

The post Investor confidence is built on transparency — but are current audit practice disclosures doing enough to uphold it? appeared first on Carbon Tracker Initiative.

Last year, as part of an experiment in using A.I. to help with carbon removal, Meta identified 135 materials that could potentially be used to draw down carbon dioxide, work it described as "groundbreaking." But when scientists tried to reproduce the results, they found that none of the materials could perform as promised and that some did not even exist.

Read more on E360 →

The solar industry is not just about clean energy – it is an economic powerhouse that drives investment, job creation, and technological innovation across the U.S.

With over $70 billion in private investment flowing into the sector and more than 280,000 Americans employed in solar-related jobs, the industry’s rapid expansion demonstrates its critical role in the nation’s economic future.1

A Booming Sector with Expansive Job Growth

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the number of solar businesses in the U.S. now exceeds 10,000, contributing to job growth across multiple fields, including research and development, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance. In 2023 alone, solar industry jobs grew by 5.9%, with utility-scale solar employment seeing a 6.8% increase.

SEIA also reports that In 2024, the U.S. solar industry installed nearly 50 gigawatts direct current (GW DC) of capacity, a 21% increase from 2023.2 Also, domestic module manufacturing capacity grew an unprecedented 190% year-over-year, from just 14.5 GW atthe end of 2023 to 42.1 GW at the end of 2024.

Notably, jobs in solar installation are projected to surge by 48% from 2023 to 2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, making it one of the fastest-growing professions in the country.3

This economic impact extends across nearly all 50 states, with significant employment gains in key markets such as Florida, Texas, Arizona, and Nevada. The industry provides crucial opportunities for both urban and rural communities, diversifying local economies and offering stable, well-paying careers.

Federal Incentives Propel U.S. Solar Manufacturing Growth

Government policies, particularly the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), have accelerated the U.S. solar market’s expansion. According to the American Clean Power Association, at least 160 clean energy manufacturing facilities or expansions have been announced since August 2022, driven by tax credits in the IRA, with 47 announced in 2024 alone.4

Prior to these incentives, the U.S. ranked seventh globally in module manufacturing capacity. Today, it has risen five-fold to reach third place, demonstrating the impact of strategic investments in clean energy infrastructure. This growth extends beyond just solar panels; the industry supports a robust supply chain that includes storage solutions, mounting systems, power electronics, and other key components.

Through this expansion comes innovation in the solar field. Companies in the U.S. are now creating leading edge technology for key solar elements such as high-efficiency modules, solar energy storage, and AI-driven smart grids. The support from policies such as the IRA allows companies to mature and invest at a faster rate, protecting the American industry by creating an encouraging atmosphere for U.S-made solutions to compete with industry rivals in China and others.

Economic Engine for Local Communities

With traditional manufacturing sectors, such as automotive and industrial, facing potential declines in the coming years, solar energy presents
a promising alternative for economic stability. BNEF projects a 76% increase in global energy storage installations in 2025, reinforcing the industry’s long-term viability.5

A Bright Future for U.S. Solar Energy

The solar industry accounted for 66% of all new electricity-generating capacity additions in 2024 according to SEIA, marking it as a dominant force in the energy sector.6 As technology advances and solar adoption continues to rise, the industry will further cement its position as a cornerstone of the American economy.

The ongoing actions on tariffs present challenges and will have an impact on the global supply chain, and by extension the solar market in the U.S. But companies that remain resilient and focused on delivering high-quality products and services, stay in close communication with global partners, and continue to adapt as the tariff situation unfolds, will be the most prepared to weather the storm.

By continuing to invest in domestic manufacturing, workforce development, and supportive policies, the U.S. can solidify its position in the global renewable energy market. The solar industry is more than an environmental solution – it is a crucial driver of economic growth, job creation, and energy independence.

About the Author
Jonathan Fenoll is Director of Solar Utility-Scale Business Line for ARaymond, a global leader in fastening and assembly systems serving the automotive, energy, agriculture, healthcare, and construction markets.

Sources

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2. https://tinyurl.com/yu7667ty
3. https://tinyurl.com/3vk92mmb
4. https://tinyurl.com/3dmw8fzs
5. https://tinyurl.com/3j6mhnv6
6. https://tinyurl.com/3fezjafkc

As Texas leads the nation in solar deployment, its family farms face a looming generational cliff: only 2% of farms are passed down intact. Agrivoltaics offers a powerful solution, allowing farmers to maintain their land, diversify income, and build climate resilience.

Recent United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) funding, including $2.2 million for the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV)’s VANGUARD project, provides an opportunity for Texas to support rural producers through clean energy.

What Is Agrivoltaics?

According to the American Farmland Trust (AFT) agrivoltaics involves the strategic co-location of agricultural and solar energy infrastructure on the same land, maximizing land use while supporting farm viability and producing clean energy.

While sheep grazing is common, agrivoltaics shines brightest with high-value crops like leafy greens, berries, tomatoes, melons, and grapes. It also supports agroforestry, pollinator habitats, and it diversifies income streams.

A Booming Market with Texas at the Forefront

In 2023, the global agrivoltaics market, driven by crop production and power generation, was valued at $3.31 billion, projected to surpass $13.3 billion by 2033.1 Agrivoltaics could represent 10% of global solar capacity by 2030.2 In the U.S., over 500 solar sites generate nine gigawatts of renewable energy, powering farms and urban areas.

Texas is poised to lead the way with 135 million acres of private land and a projected 35,324 MW of solar capacity by 2028. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and USDA3 programs are drivers of this growth, allocating $820.25 million to support renewable energy in rural areas.

High-Value Crops: The Economic Engine of Agrivoltaics

By combining energy and agriculture, agrivoltaics can increase total land productivity by 35-70%.4 Shade-tolerant crops, such as lettuce, have shown significant yield increases,5 while microclimates beneath panels improve water retention and reduce stormwater runoff.

Economic returns are substantial: lettuce revenue can increase by 30%, and tomato revenue can rise by 36% in the Southeast.6 Cornell University models demonstrate that combining solar panels and crops on one acre of land can yield over four acres of high-value crops grown without panels, generating higher revenue.

Pollinators: Boosting Biodiversity and Farm Profits

Pollinator habitats beneath solar arrays support 75% of food crops and cut maintenance costs by 20%.7 Pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and other insects, are necessary for the success of a large portion of food production from crops. and cut maintenance costs by 20%.8

Native vegetation cools soil, boosts PV efficiency, and improves biodiversity. These ecosystems serve as organic infrastructure, supporting resilience and long-term soil health.

Vineyards: A Texas Opportunity

Solar panels in Portugal have reduced irrigation by 30%, improved grape yields by up to 30%, and enhanced quality by 15%.9 Texas vineyards can adopt similar approaches, as demonstrated by the Dos Rios Winery project in Rio Grande City, Texas.

In partnership with UTRGV,10 Fortress Microgrid implemented an agrivoltaic system at the 15-acre Dos Rios Winery, shading grape varieties like Blanc Du Bois and Chardonnay. Solar panels provide power for wine production and tasting rooms, lowering electricity costs while improving grape quality and water efficiency by 20-30%.

UTRGV monitors crop yields, soil carbon, and emissions to develop best practices and support broader adoption.

Texas Innovating Through Implementation

CleanTX co-hosted an Earth Day event focused on agrivoltaics in Austin with Solar Austin, a local Texas Solar Energy Society (TXSES) chapter. The 2025 event brought together farmers, developers, researchers, and policymakers to explore Texas opportunities and innovations in agrivoltaics. More information is available at CleanTX.org.

UTRGV’s VANGUARD initiative addresses current troubling rates of agricultural land loss and food insecurity in the Rio Grande Valley. The project aims to address the loss of both land and food by promoting agrivoltaics to increase resilience, diversify farm income, and support sustainable food production.

In March 2025, the “We Are Women in Ag” event at Dos Rios included an agrivoltaic ribbon cutting and tour, Texas Cottage Law education, canning workshops, and business planning to build awareness and adoption. These efforts are a proactive pro-economic approach to addressing these challenges while building resilience and supporting long-term food security.

Regional Momentum: Oklahoma’s Legislative Push

Neighboring Oklahoma advanced agrivoltaics through the Oklahoma Agrivoltaics Act (HB 2157), which passed the House with a 73–20 vote. The bill aims to harmonize renewable energy development with agricultural productivity by establishing a 17-member Agrivoltaics Advisory Committee.

This committee will advise on policies promoting the coexistence of renewable energy and agriculture, develop educational materials, and recommend research areas. The act also creates the Oklahoma Agrivoltaics Cash Revolving Fund to finance these initiatives.11

Challenges to Overcome

High upfront costs, local zoning challenges, and public resistance remain barriers to agrivoltaic adoption. Farmers express concern about land use and long-term productivity, while Texas-specific issues like mineral rights and REAP funding freezes complicate progress. Clearer regulations and targeted policy incentives similar to Oklahoma’s are essential for scaling.

Policy Path Forward

Policymakers can act by adopting American Farmland Trust’s Smart SolarSM siting principles, prioritizing marginal lands and bundling agrivoltaics into the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), a U.S. government initiative administered by the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

Education through REAP, the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program, and InSPIRE tools will empower farmers. Pilots led by UTRGV could serve as replicable models throughout the state. The American Farmland Trust recently outlined additional policy recommendations supporting national and state strategies for scaling adoption.

A Sunlit Future for Texas

Agrivoltaics offers a powerful bridge between agriculture and energy, preserving family farms while powering rural economies. The success of Dos Rios Winery illustrates what’s possible. With collaboration, policy support, and continued innovation, Texas can lead the nation in this dual-use development strategy, where the sun powers homes, harvests, and heritage.

About the Author
Raina Tillman Hornaday, a fifth-generation landowner, has 20 years of renewable energy development experience including the Caprock Wind Project in Eastern New Mexico that is currently being decommissioned. She has developed utility-scale wind and solar projects in ERCOT and SPP markets. Dedicated to responsible renewable development, Raina advocates for solutions that support landowners, communities, and the land itself. She serves as Thought Leadership Chair for CleanTX, sits on the boards of the Texas Solar Energy Society and Powerhouse Texas, and earned an M.S. in Energy from Texas Tech University.

Sources

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11. https://tinyurl.com/3c9as2vf

In the race to meet renewable energy goals as demand rises across the United States, farm and ranch land is increasingly becoming a target for solar development. According to the American Farmland Trust’s (AFT) Farms Under Threat: 2040 analysis, there is potential that 83% of solar built by 2040 will be sited on farmland within the United States.1

Without intervention, this landscape-scale change could have major impacts on the future of farming and food security in the U.S.

The emerging field of agrivoltaics – the intentional combination of solar energy generation and agricultural production on the same area of farmland – offers a promising solution that could help farmers and ranchers build long-term farm viability, reduce loss of farmland, and contribute to clean, affordable energy produced domestically in the United States.

As this is a complex and rapidly evolving field, there are currently a variety of definitions of agrivoltaics that are released or under development. To ensure benefits for farmers and long-term agricultural viability, AFT defines agrivoltaics as a “ground-mounted photovoltaic solar energy system that:

• Has been intentionally planned and designed with agricultural producers and/or experts, and
• Is constructed, installed, and operated to achieve integrated and simultaneous production of both solar energy and marketable agricultural products by an agricultural producer:
  
  – On land beneath and/or between rows of solar panels
  – As soon as agronomically feasible and optimal for the agricultural producer after the commercial solar operation date and continuing until decommissioning.”2

AFT’s definition emphasizes the importance of maintaining the “ag” in agrivoltaics, requiring that the solar project is designed and operated to enable the production of one or more agricultural products throughout the lifespan of the project. This farmer-centered approach ensures that the land under the solar array is actively used for agriculture, helping to mitigate the loss of farmland.

One notable benefit of agrivoltaics is that it provides farmers and ranchers with a diversified income, contributing to greater farm viability. Landowners can count on steady income from lease payments, in addition to marketing agricultural products (crops and livestock) grown or raised beneath the solar array.

Furthermore, access to farmland has been a challenge for tenant farmers, and agrivoltaics could create more opportunities for them to secure affordable land to grow their businesses.

A key factor driving the growth of agrivoltaics is vegetation management through solar grazing. Traditionally, diesel-powered mowers are used to maintain vegetation under an array. Utilizing sheep not only serves as an alternative to mechanical methods for managing vegetation but also provides additional grazing land, builds soil health, and can be more cost-effective for asset owners.

Both new and experienced graziers can offer their services to developers, helping to increase the U.S. sheep inventory.3

The shade provided by solar arrays offers shelter to sheep, cattle, and other livestock, protecting them from heat and various weather conditions. For crops, solar panels can also provide beneficial shade, which helps reduce a plant’s response to drought and heat stress while minimizing evaporation under the panels. This leads to improved soil moisture and lessens the need for irrigation.4

As a result, farmers can manage water more efficiently, conserving resources and minimizing the risk of nutrient runoff and leaching beneath the array.5 Additionally, there is ongoing research to assess how solar panels and design types affect the growth of different crop varieties and crop yields.

However, there are some considerations and challenges in pursuing an agrivoltaics project both by the developer and the farmer/rancher. Ground-mounted dual-use systems have additional costs associated with both the structural changes needed to accommodate farming and grazing as well as the additional costs for design and collaboration with stakeholders.

The National Renewable Energy Lab estimates that agrivoltaics systems have a premium of $0.07/Watt to $0.80/Watt in comparison to conventional ground-mounted systems.6 This can be expensive for both the farmer and developer.

Tomatoes growing under the array at the Rutgers Agricultural Research and Extension Center. © American Farmland Trust

Despite the potential benefits, successful implementation and widespread adoption of agrivoltaics will require funding mechanisms and policies that incentivize developers and support farmers.

Some states have already taken this initiative and developed programs and grants to help fund individual projects, provide property tax exemptions, create standardized siting and permitting for solar projects, and create compensation rate adders for dual-use projects.

Other states are just starting the process by creating statewide definitions for agrivoltaics, hopefully to build off of in the future.

Leading states in the agrivoltaics movement include Colorado, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York, among others. Colorado state legislature passed Senate Bill 23-092 in 2023 to appropriate $500,000 for agrivoltaics grants to be used to “conduct a new or ongoing demonstration or research project as a means to study the potential, benefits, and tradeoffs of agrivoltaics in the state”.7

This funding was renewed again for the same amount in 2024, and then for $300,000 in 2025. American Farmland Trust was among the recipients in
2024 and helped produce a guide entitled “Funding Opportunities for Agrivoltaics in Colorado: A Guide for Producers, Landowners, and Service Providers” to help those pursuing agrivoltaics in Colorado.8

In addition to the grant program, Colorado has created a personal property tax exemption for machinery and equipment used in agrivoltaics to produce an agricultural product.9 This also includes the solar array equipment and machinery, benefiting both the farmer and the developer of a project.

Additionally, the code indicates that agricultural land will maintain its status as such when paired with a qualifying agrivoltaics array in
property tax assessments. Maryland has a similar tax regulation providing a personal property tax exemption related to agrivoltaics.10 Both of these tax exemptions could lead to lower property tax rates for developers or landowners.

Taking a different approach to incentives, Massachusetts was one of the first states to incentivize agrivoltaics by creating the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) Program. It includes a feed-in tariff which provides a premium price for surplus energy sold back to the grid for Agricultural Solar Tariff Generation Units (ASTGUs) established in 2018.

The state’s goal for the ASTGUs, or agrivoltaics systems that comply with the SMART program, is to generate 80 MW AC capacity for the state. Qualifying ASTGUs can receive an additional $0.06 per kWh adder in addition to the base compensation rate set forth by the program.11

Several developers have taken advantage of this opportunity with more projects for the state in the pipeline.

Understanding that the initial development cost of projects can be inhibitive, both New Jersey and New York developed funding programs for projects. New Jersey’s stems from the Dual-Use Solar Energy Act of 2021 that created a 3-year pilot program at Rutgers University that will “lay the groundwork for a permanent
Dual-Use program.”

The program will create incentives specifically for dual-use solar utilizing their preexisting mechanism of Solar Renewable Energy Certificates IIs (SREC-IIs), which gives additional value to the energy produced by the system.12 This would result in a higher bonus reward for participating in agrivoltaics. Last year, New York created a $5 million competitive solicitation through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to fund projects up to $750,000 that “[integrate] both new or retrofitted solar and farm operations such as those with cattle grazing, forage, or specialty crop production.”13

This solicitation was in collaboration with the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets with ongoing efforts to collect data on projects funded to inform other agrivoltaics projects in the state.

These are just some of the current, leading state-level actions in agrivoltaics. State-level action will be more important than ever to propel the field of agrivoltaics forward through policy and state-funded actions in light of the uncertainty surrounding federal funding.

These states will hopefully set an example for others to follow suit and recognize that agrivoltaics is a future worth incentivizing.

The future of agrivoltaics requires investment in thoughtful policy, collaborative research, and strategic partnerships that prioritize agricultural production and renewable energy.

Designing systems in coordination with farmers and ranchers, offering clear financial incentives, and replicating effective state-led programs on a national scale will be crucial for widespread adoption. By pursuing this approach, agrivoltaics can become the solution to strengthen rural economies, protect farmland, and help power the country sustainably.

About the Author
Catie Field, Smart Solar Program Coordinator, supports American Farmland Trust’s Smart Solar Program and its work nationally promoting farm viability, safeguarding soils and farmland, and uplifting agrivoltaics. She has an M.S. in Agricultural Science with a focus on animal science and livestock systems.

Sources

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8. https://tinyurl.com/5966dbct
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13. https://tinyurl.com/3rk3ttx8

Agrivoltaics – co-locating solar panels with agriculture or ecological restoration – has won traction within the last decade, offering a win-win for developers and communities by allowing energy production and farming to work hand in hand.1

Yet prairie ecosystems, despite stretching far beyond the Great Plains into states from California to Illinois, are not always highlighted as key opportunities for this trend. Prairie environments function as effective water management systems for some of America’s most iconic species, like bison and bald eagles, serving as a key driver of regional tourism, and they are also responsible for soil health and crop yields.

Research on agrivoltaic and similar prairie-voltaic (adding solar to prairie land) projects is promising. Whether over traditional farming operations in non-prairie environments or for prairie-specific designs, shading from solar panels can reduce plant heat stress and retain soil moisture. One U.S. study found that cherry tomato yields doubled under solar panels, with 65% higher water-use efficiency compared to open-sun cultivation.2

Representation of the extent of prairie and grassland coverage in North America. © Joe DelNero, NREL

Cooler microclimates under panels mean less evaporation – preserving soil moisture for longer, and requiring less irrigation.1 In semi-arid grassland trials, even a sudden and significant 38% reduction in sunlight due to solar cover had minimal impact on plant productivity, as vegetation quickly adapted to the partial shade.3 These findings show that prairie-voltaics boost land productivity and conserve water, turning harsh sun into an asset, allowing more consistent prairie agricultural operations, and creating electricity.

Biodiversity Blooms Under Solar Panels

Solar farms clearly don’t have to be barren fields; they can host vibrant ecosystems right in the heart of the prairie. Research in Minnesota demonstrated that it’s possible to re-establish native prairie plants under solar arrays, yielding ecological benefits.4 Restored prairie solar sites supported pollinators as robustly as dedicated conservation lands: plant and insect abundance and diversity increased significantly once native wildflowers and grasses were planted.4

Over several years, these “little prairies” under the panels saw native plant cover and pollinator visits steadily rise.4 NREL’s six-year study at three commercial solar farms recorded a 5- to 8-fold increase in native plant species beneath the arrays.5 Soil health also improved – soil under the panels had higher nutrient levels and organic content than adjacent tilled land exposed to full sun.4

Research infographic summarizing how planting native prairie beneath solar panels improves soil nutrients, increases pollinator visits, and expands plant cover over time, all without harming energy output. © NREL

Crucially, long-term monitoring showed that reestablishing prairie takes patience: it required 3–4 years for prairie vegetation to fully take hold after construction (with certain species only appearing in years 5–6).4 Once matured, these solar-prairie habitats can also aid nearby farms. By providing habitat for bees and butterflies, solar sites can enhance pollination of neighboring crops, potentially boosting yields on those lands.4

In short, prairievoltaics turns underutilized space into a biodiversity haven – prairie flowers, insects, birds, and other wildlife can thrive alongside solar panels, rather than being displaced.

Grazing and Agriculture Under Arrays

Prairie-voltaics isn’t limited to plants – it can integrate livestock grazing as well. Many solar farms now partner with local farmers to graze sheep (and sometimes cattle) on the grass growing under and around panels.

Cows leisurely graze beneath a solar array, using the installation as both a source of shade and sustainable fodder production in a prairie-voltaic farm. © Joe DelNero, NREL

This “solar grazing” yields mutual benefits: the animals get forage, and the solar operator gets natural lawnmowers. Using sheep for vegetation management has been shown to dramatically cut maintenance costs. One utility reported paying $250–$750 per acre for sheep grazing – a 75% cost savings compared to traditional mowing.6 Major solar companies with sheep programs across dozens of sites have seen notable reductions in annual operating costs from these practices.6

For farmers, it’s a new income stream (grazing leases or contracts) and additional pasture without needing to buy land.1 Grazing also reduces wildfire risk and direct and indirect costs of land management.

Importantly, the animals themselves benefit: in summer, solar panels provide much-needed shade in open prairie pastures. Research in Minnesota found that dairy cows with access to solar-panel shade had afternoon body temperatures about 1°F lower than unshaded cows, and their respiratory rates dropped from 78 to 66 breaths per minute in the heat.1 This indicates less heat stress, which can translate to better animal health and potentially improved weight gain and milk production.

Overall, integrating grazing makes solar farms more akin to multi-use rangeland, supporting agricultural livelihoods and animal welfare alongside energy production.

Dual-Use Efficiency and Economics

By stacking functions, prairie-voltaics improves the land-use efficiency of this key ecosystem. Even on prime farmland, a well-designed solar-agriculture system can continue to generate farm revenue while producing power. Studies estimate that combining solar with farming or pollinator habitat can raise the total productivity of land well above what either use would achieve alone. Solar panels also add electrical infrastructure to rural communities to support emergency response and land management efforts key to wildfire risk reduction.1

Analysis in dryland regions showed that certain crops yielded 2–3 times more produce under PV panels during hot summers (thanks to reduced heat and water evaporation, lowering plant stress). While such dramatic gains vary by crop and climate, many cool-season or shade-tolerant crops experience higher yields or quality under partial shade, all while the same acres yield electricity.1

The economic implications are compelling. Farmers hosting prairie-voltaics can diversify their income without abandoning agriculture – leasing land for solar, cutting their energy bills, and/or earning fees for grazing or apiary placement. For solar developers, co-location can streamline project permitting and community acceptance. One survey in the U.S. Midwest found 81.8% of residents were more likely to support a solar project if it also produced agricultural benefits.6

Likewise, policies in several states (e.g., pollinator-friendly solar farm scorecards) incentivize designs that restore soil and habitat, which can ease the approval process. In dollar terms the synergy is huge: a Department of Energy study estimated that solar built near pollinator-dependent crops over about 1.1 million hectares could provide $1.5–3.2 billion in combined benefits to energy producers and farmers (by improving crop yields and reducing management costs).7

In essence, dual-use solar makes economic sense – the land works harder and better; both food and energy outputs grow. This integrated approach can help prairie communities see solar not as competition for farmland, but as an ally that bolsters rural economies.

Prairie-Specific Challenges and Considerations

Deploying solar in prairie ecosystems comes with unique challenges and planning considerations. Prairies often feature fertile farmland or remnant native grasslands, but there is often local resistance to converting land for solar use.

In the American Midwest, for instance, residents have opposed projects that would temporarily take hundreds of acres of cropland out of production.8 They worry about industrializing prime agricultural land and losing farm-related jobs and outputs. Prairie-voltaic designs directly address these concerns by ensuring the land continues to provide agricultural or ecological value.

As one Iowa farmer involved in a solar project noted, planting the site with prairie grasses and wildflowers effectively lets the soil “rest and rejuvenate for 35 years”, building up organic matter and fertility for future generations.8 Still, careful site selection and management are crucial.

Truly undisturbed native prairie remnants are rare and ecologically precious – stakeholders often stress that those should be preserved or used only if the project includes robust restoration plans. Indeed, some see an opportunity: using solar installations to restore degraded prairie land.

In California, a 160 MW project on a former nuclear site is doubling as a prairie restoration pilot, to help recover some of the 98% of California’s native prairie habitat that has been lost.9 Such projects require collaboration with ecologists and native plant experts, as well as a willingness to invest time in establishing deep-rooted perennials.

Land-use policy can pose hurdles or add safeguards. Many jurisdictions mandate vegetation management plans. For example, Minnesota encourages pollinator-friendly seed mixes under solar arrays, and some areas require that topsoil not be degraded so the site can revert to farming later.8 Planners must consider panel height and spacing too – raising panels higher (or using wide row spacing) allows farm machinery or tall grasses underneath, but can increase costs.6

Finally, long-term maintenance and conflict resolution are considerations: e.g., controlling invasive weeds in a prairie solar meadow, protecting panels from large wildlife, or coordinating grazing schedules. None of these challenges is insurmountable, but they require that solar developers adopt a mindset of land stewardship in addition to energy production.

With thoughtful planning, prairie solar farms can avoid land-use conflicts by blending in with the rural landscape, acting as prairie restorations or pastureland, rather than simply covering productive ground with infrastructure.

Conclusion: A New Paradigm for Prairie Land Use

Real-world pilot projects and research trials across the Great Plains and prairie regions are validating that solar panels need not displace agriculture or ecosystems – they can enrich them.

Agrivoltaics in prairie ecosystems has demonstrated concrete ecological gains (improved soil moisture and health, greater biodiversity of plants and pollinators, habitat for wildlife) alongside economic benefits (additional farm income, reduced solar maintenance costs, sustained or improved agricultural yields). These dual-use projects turn solar development from a land competitor into a land enhancer.

Instead of the monoculture of gravel or turf grass, solar farms can host native flowers buzzing with pollinators and livestock trimming the grass. They can recharge soils that were depleted by intensive row-cropping, regenerating soil health, and preventing erosion. Early data even suggests nearby crop farms may see higher yields thanks to the pollinator boost – illustrating the wider landscape benefit of prairie-voltaics.4

Moving forward, scaling up prairie-voltaics will require continuing to refine best practices for different prairie climates and community needs. Researchers are developing tools like pollinator-friendly seed mix guides and cost-benefit calculators specific to solar-agriculture systems.9 With 5.7 million acres of land potentially needed to meet U.S. solar goals by 2035 the stakes are high for getting dual-use right.9

The evidence so far is encouraging: prairie solar installations can be more than power plants – they can be pollinator sanctuaries, grazing pastures, and springboards for prairie restoration. Embracing prairie-voltaics offers a path to unite stakeholders who might otherwise clash over land use, creating projects that harvest sunshine while cultivating the ecological and economic vitality of prairie landscapes.

About the Author
Saxon Metzger, MBA (Osage Nation): The President of Eighth Generation Consulting, Metzger specializes in full lifecycle solar and storage installations. Eighth Generation delivers full turnkey project installation, operations and maintenance, and decommissioning, along with grant writing and consulting services. A member of ASES, Metzger teaches graduate-level sustainable business and economics courses at Wilmington University.

Sources

1. University of Minnesota Extension. (2024). Agrivoltaics.
2. https://tinyurl.com/yc44b6xp
3. https://tinyurl.com/2ncaftwf/a>
4. https://tinyurl.com/2p8xp6yn/a>
5. Yale Environment 360. (2021, September 30). Solar farms can be pollinator havens, not just energy sources.
6. https://tinyurl.com/yc5kxhpa/a>
7. Argonne National Laboratory. (2020). Environmental and agricultural co-benefits of pollinator-friendly solar. U.S. Department of Energy.
8. https://tinyurl.com/2vfntuc7/a>
9. https://tinyurl.com/2td9mbv8/a>

Storm Damage to IEN’s Headquarters and Teaching Garden in Bemidj June 25, 2025Bemidji, MN; Ojibwe Homelands In the early morning hours of June 22, 2025, a powerful storm came through Bemidji, causing serious damage to our Indigenous Environmental Network (IEN) headquarters and the Teaching Garden that so many of us have poured love, time, and […]

The post Storm Damage to IEN Headquarters and Teaching Garden in Bemidji first appeared on Indigenous Environmental Network.

Image Description: NYC Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani smiles at a podium reading “Zohran for New York City”. His hand is on his heart, and behind him are graphic blue, red, and yellow stripes. There is a crowd gathered and a colorful banner behind him.

The most dynamic public figure of our moment has lessons for us about transit organizing!

Two years ago, the then little-known Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani had a conversation with the national coalition of transit rider unions – the TRUST – of which Pittsburghers for Public Transit and the Philly Transit Riders Union are members. He shared his observations from a grassroots campaign to win dedicated, expanded state funding from the New York State Assembly and Governor to stop a funding cliff and improve services and lower fares on the NYC Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA). 

Today, he is the Democratic frontrunner for mayor of New York City.

Check out Zohran Mamdani’s clip from 2023, addressing transit rider organizers from across the United States, on strategies for organizing (and winning!) statewide funding fights:

We are excited to hear the resonances between our current transit fight and the rider organizing in our neighboring state of New York! Some of the key lessons we took away from Mamdani’s talk were:

1. Be Bold: Lead With an Ambitious Set of Demands

Mamdani points out that we are charged with expanding the perception of what is possible to win, and in fact, it is that ambitious vision that energizes the public for the fight. 

We LOVE Mamdani’s observation that the public is eager to invest more to make our buses faster, more affordable and more available, and not just prevent further draconian cuts to our already inadequate public transit systems. It’s hard to motivate riders to fight to maintain a status quo that does not meet all our needs. That’s why Transit for All PA has been organizing for service restoration to 2019 levels for ALL communities statewide, and an additional 10% service expansion on top of that to all non- Pittsburgh and non-Philly regions. 

Riders and workers are inspired by this demand! As a result, just in the last four months, more than 15,000 people have joined the Transit for All PA campaign, with hundreds of people joining the Transit for All PA statewide calls to develop and ratify our collective agenda.   

2. Take the Budget Fight Out in Public from Behind Closed Doors and Call the Question on Where Politicians Stand

Zohran Mamdani urges riders to make the budget fight public, and to call for politicians to say where they stand on the advocates’ transit demands.

This year, we brought a whopping 350 riders and transit workers from all around the Commonwealth to Harrisburg, for a massive press conference and meetings with legislators from across the Commonwealth. Transit riders in communities large and small thronged the halls of the Capitol, bringing information and their stories to every single legislative office. They called the question on where each of those legislators stood on the issue of funding transit, to ensure that our systems would not merely survive, but thrive. 

Through rallies and legislative visits in all corners of the state, our weekly participatory research, monthly communications calls, and regular statewide organizing discussions with hundreds of riders, we’re building a culture of transparent and collaborative community organizing and daylighting the budget processes that profoundly affect our lives but are often hidden behind closed doors.

3. It’s All About Effective Conversations

Mamdani describes how organizers in NYC developed a powerful communications strategy to complement their campaign. He highlights the importance of these tools to help riders easily plug in to the organizing, and a simple and clear message that connects what is happening in the legislature to people’s needs and experiences on the bus. 

As Transit for All PA, we’re training all of our members to be organizers and effective communicators of our message: better transit is possible, better transit is necessary, and better transit is transformative. Good organizing starts with a good conversation, in which we ask questions to hear the needs of other riders, and to understand what their vision is for better transit. We then help draw the line between that vision and our shared statewide solutions, as well as the action that must be taken to achieve those solutions. 

Like Zohran Mamdani suggested, canvassing with QR codes that allow riders to easily fill out letters directed to their own legislators has been a powerful tool to allow folks to take action in the moment, and get plugged into longer term organizing efforts for transit funding. As a result, we organized tens of thousands of riders to send over 190,000 (!) letters to our state elected leaders to fund the transit service we deserve. We empowered riders from across the state to lead their own canvasses and connect with their own communities and legislators with a Transit for All PA organizing toolkit. 

Effective communications tools have been game-changing, but even more important are training our members as organizers and having a clear message to communicate. Through these efforts, we have successfully propelled transit to the top of the agenda in this year’s state budget negotiations. 

4. Organize with Transit Riders, Everywhere.

Mamdani points out that we are nowhere near exhausting the communities we should organize alongside to win the transit we deserve!

We must organize with transit riders in all 67 counties of Pennsylvania, because transit is available in some form – as fixed route buses or shared ride paratransit services for older adults and people with disabilities – and needed in all 67 counties. Our small town and rural neighbors have been denied quality transit service for far too long: we aim to change that. Through our monthly Transit for All PA calls with small cities and rural communities, we are building solidarity across geographies to understand every community’s distinct needs and develop a shared statewide funding solution. 

As Transit for All PA, we are also supporting a coalition led by and for disabled riders across the Commonwealth (Public Transit Access Coalition), to ensure that their needs are central to our demands, as well as a coalition focused on the intersection of social services access and public transit (Transit Resources to Access Care).

And finally, we cannot minimize the importance of solidarity and shared leadership with organized labor. Our transit worker sisters and brothers, who run our systems day in and day out, are the people who are most expert in the issues our current transit systems face. They are also the first to speak up about opportunities to make our transit service better. Moreover, there are millions of dollars in direct economic benefits generated from workers that manufacture the goods and services that support public transit. Those workers, too, have much to offer our organizing, and they have a lot at stake in this transit funding fight.

We see once again that ambitious goals can attract wide support, and that organizing – across geographies, across constituencies- gets the goods.

The post What NYC Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani Can Teach Us about Transit Funding Fights appeared first on Pittsburghers for Public Transit.

© ANR Colombia

El martes 24 de junio, la Plaza de Bolívar de Bogotá amaneció cubierta de toneladas de plásticos para representar cómo se vería la ciudad sin el trabajo de las y los recicladores, y para manifestar que el trabajo de los 60.000 recicladores de Colombia se está viendo afectado por los bajos precios del material de reciclaje. 

Más de 30 asociaciones de recicladores de base coordinaron llevar veinte camiones desde distintos puntos de la ciudad a la Plaza Bolívar para descargar 12 toneladas de botellas plásticas PET para denunciar el desplome de los precios del material y la consecuente precarización de sus condiciones laborales.

Según estimaciones de la Asociación Nacional de Recicladores (ANR Colombia), en los últimos dos años, los precios por kilo de PET han pasado de los $2.800-$3.000 ($ 0.75 USD) a $1.600 ($ 0.40 USD), lo que no solo representa una baja en los ingresos de las y los recicladores, sino también en algunos casos pérdidas cuando se considera el costo logístico total por kilo recolectado y vendido.

© ANR Colombia © ANR Colombia

 Las organizaciones de recicladores exigieron una reunión con el gobierno nacional para abordar sus demandas como la creación de un fondo económico financiado con el impuesto al plástico de un solo uso, políticas públicas claras que regulen el precio de los materiales reciclables, reconocimiento legal y económico del trabajo del reciclador, y acceso a salud, pensiones y sueldos dignos.

The post Toneladas de plásticos inundaron Bogotá: Recicladores protestaron por caída de precios first appeared on GAIA.

A decade after Flint, Michigan, was beset by widespread lead contamination, officials confirmed the city has replaced its lead pipes, as ordered by a federal court.

Read more on E360 →

Image Description: An older-style PRT bus stop sign, with the top portion edited to read “Audit”, and decorated with a yellow cutout and red starbursts. To the right is bold black text reading “Bus stop summer” with a yellow background. PPT won more funding for bus shelters–now we’re making sure it gets spent where it’s needed!

In 2024, we decided to raise the importance of transit rider comfort, safety, and dignity by launching a Bus Shelter Campaign. Our goal was to get more shelters installed at high ridership stops in low equity neighborhoods within the city of Pittsburgh. We first assessed the condition of existing bus shelters, then conducted site visits to stops without shelters. With PPT members helping to create new tools and in collaboration with Pittsburgh’s Department of Mobility and Infrastructure (DOMI), we successfully audited 25 bus stops and won the first-ever allocation of funds for Bus Stop Amenities in Pittsburgh’s 2025 Capital Budget!

This summer we’re hitting the pavement with our Bus Shelter 2.0 Campaign! Our goal is to help DOMI identify 25 eligible bus stops for the installation of the city’s remaining 10 inactive shelters (shelters located at sites that no longer serve a bus route) and provide DOMI and Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) with additional information for future installations.

Two ways to help us win more bus shelters:

In order to help DOMI find the most eligible 25 stops, we need some support from you, the expert riders of our system!

1: Crowdsource bus shelter form

DOMI has asked for your expertise: what bus stops do you see in your communities that desperately need shelters? Is there a stop on your commute route that has a DIY bus shelter, like a chair, milk crate, or shade structure that someone has placed there on their own? Do you frequent a stop that has tons of riders, but nowhere to shelter them? 

If the answer’s yes, we have a new tool for you: a crowdsourced bus shelter form! Simply input your info and some basic information about the stop, and we’ll make a list to send over to DOMI. Bookmark this form and fill it out next time you’re waiting at your stop!

Fill out the form

Please note: this form is NOT intended for immediate response or repairs. We will use this data to inform our future campaigns, not coordinate immediate construction or repairs. If your stop needs immediate repairs or attention, please contact Pittsburgh 311 by filling out their online form, or dialing 311 or 412-255-2621 on your phone.

2: Join an in-person bus shelter blitz!

Participants will meet at PPT’s office at the Friends Meeting House on July 30th, review materials, prepare, and then split into four different groups to audit eligible bus stops in four different regions of the city. The groups will travel by car to effectively audit a large number of stops.

RSVP for the 7/30 Blitz

Note that this event will not be accessible to all members; participants will be outdoors in various weather conditions and on different terrains. 

The post It’s Bus Stop Summer: hit the streets with PPT to win more shelters appeared first on Pittsburghers for Public Transit.

Image Description: an older-style blue PRT bus stop sign, edited to read “audit bus stop” and decorated with a yellow cutout and red starbursts. To the right is bold black text reading “This stop needs a shelter! fill out our form” on a yellow background. DOMI has asked for your expertise: what bus stops do you see in your communities that desperately need shelters?

DOMI has asked for your expertise: what bus stops do you see in your communities that desperately need shelters? Is there a stop on your commute route that has a DIY bus amenity, like a chair, milk crate, or shade structure that someone has placed there on their own? Do you frequent a stop that has tons of riders, but nowhere to shelter them? 

If the answer’s yes, we have a new tool for you: a crowdsourced bus shelter form! Simply input your info and some basic information about the stop, and we’ll make a list to send over to DOMI. 

Want to do more for PPT’s Bus Stop Summer? Join our in-person bus shelter blitz!

Join us on July 30th for an in-person audit of eligible stops for new shelters!

Participants will meet at PPT’s office at the Friends Meeting House, review materials, prepare, and then split into four different groups to audit eligible bus stops in four different regions of the city. The groups will travel by car to effectively audit a large number of stops.

RSVP for the 7/30 blitz!

Note that this event will not be accessible to all members; participants will be outdoors in various weather conditions and on different terrains.

The post Does your bus stop need a shelter? Fill out our form! appeared first on Pittsburghers for Public Transit.

The post Take action now: Let Rosalind Stay first appeared on Migrant Workers Alliance for Change.

The post Take action now: Let Rosalind Stay appeared first on Migrant Workers Alliance for Change.

Incluso si te uniste a nosotros en la reunión en persona en Toronto, ven a esta reunión.

El 17 de agosto de 2025, únete a la Asamblea de Emergencia de Miembr@s de la Alianza (MWAC). Rosalind ha sido deportada, trabajamos y vivimos bajo un calor insoportable y el racismo antiinmigrante está por todas partes.

El gobierno federal está consultando sobre futuros planes de inmigración. Es posible que se aprueben leyes antiinmigrantes negativas, como el Proyecto de Ley C-2, y otras, cuando el Parlamento regrese de sus vacaciones en septiembre.

Únase a la Reunión de Emergencia para conocer los planes del gobierno, apoyarnos mutuamente, elaborar planes estratégicos sobre las necesidades de la Alianza (MWAC) en el futuro cercano, renovar su membresía (si aún no lo ha hecho) y volverse miembr@.

Esta es una asamblea de emergencia SOLO para miembr@s nuev@s y existentes, y recibirá noticias actualizadas, incluyendo un gran día de acción mundial el 20 de septiembre. Así que únase incluso si ya asistio a la reunión en persona en Toronto.

Fecha: Domingo, 17 de agosto de 2025

Lugar: Zoom (¡regístrese para recibir el enlace!)

Hora: 7:00 Ontario, 4:00 Columbia Británica, 5:00 Alberta, 8:00 New Brunswick

¡Unid@s somos más fuertes!

The post Reunión de emergencia en línea – Solo para miembr@s first appeared on Migrant Workers Alliance for Change.

The post Reunión de emergencia en línea – Solo para miembr@s appeared first on Migrant Workers Alliance for Change.


English subtitles available

The Biodiversity Festival, held on June 1st at the Articulturae farmers’ market in Manziana (Rome), marked another significant milestone in the journey of Terrae Vivae. This initiative aims to nurture ecological communities centered on local, wholesome food, biodiversity and environmental protection, regenerative agriculture, and the well-being of both humans and animals.

The Festival also served as the occasion to launch the short film “Biodiversity is Life“, which documents a deep and participatory learning process on biodiversity, agroecology, and earth care. Though rooted in a specific territory, this process aspires—through its holistic dimension—to establish a replicable model in other regions, countries, and continents.

Across the world, a movement is underway to reclaim control over our food and distribution systems. Local economies are being overtaken by globalization, while biodiversity is systematically eroded in favor of monocultures and industrial livestock systems that scar landscapes, pollute soil and water, and produce food lacking in nutrients and contaminated with pesticides and herbicides. The impact of this system on the environment and society is both profound and destructive.

Una rete internazionale per rispondere alle sfide delle multinazionali e delle economie globalizzate

E’ proprio per rispondere alle molteplici sfide che il modello produttivo industriale globalizzato lancia ai territori di tutto il mondo, che Navdanya International ha avviato Terrae Vivae, un programma che intende coinvolgere attivamente cittadini e produttori locali nella scelta dei processi produttivi e di distribuzione. La produzione di cibo di qualità diviene, in se stessa, un atto di condivisione e di socialità. Democratizzare i sistemi alimentari è un passo essenziale per invertire il processo totalitario e distruttivo messo in atto dalle lobby industriali.
Terrae Vivae mira a condividere l’esperienza di oltre trent’anni accumulata da Navdanya in termini di difesa dei diritti della natura e di tutela e valorizzazione del patrimonio di biodiversità e di conoscenze locali contro le sfide della globalizzazione e dei monopoli delle multinazionali.

Photo cr.:Erika Santoro

Da questo punto di vista, il programma si inserisce e agisce in armonia con tutti le istanze bottom up che negli ultimi decenni si sono sviluppate organicamente sui territori di tutto il mondo. Distretti ecologici del cibo, biodistretti, eco villaggi, consigli del cibo, gruppi di acquisto solidale, mercati contadini etc. Rispondere alle sfide dell’economia globale guidata dagli interessi della finanza, significa tornare a rilanciare i processi democratici, a rigenerare le comunità, a favorire le economie circolari, ridurre gli sprechi, riciclare i rifiuti, azzerare le emissioni climalteranti, rigenerare il suolo , purificare le falde acquifere, reclamare i beni comuni, far fronte alla crisi sanitaria, assicurare il benessere animale. Sono queste alcune delle battaglie più importanti intorno alle quali il tessuto sociale e culturale si può risanare attraverso processi democratici e inclusivi.

Terrae Vivae opera dunque come una rete vivente che promuove la transizione verso l’agroecologia intrecciando ricerca, istruzione, politica e azione dal basso per co-creare comunità rigenerative. L’agroecologia non è solo un insieme di tecniche agricole ma una trasformazione sistemica ad alta intensità di conoscenza, che rimodella le pratiche agricole e le strutture di governance verso la resilienza sociale ed ecologica. E’ dunque essenziale abbracciare un approccio relazionale e co-creativo in cui ricercatori, agricoltori, politici e comunità collaborano per sviluppare, testare e perfezionare le pratiche agroecologiche in contesti del mondo reale. Collegando la conoscenza scientifica con la saggezza tradizionale e locale, si garantisce che le transizioni agroecologiche siano sensibili al luogo, culturalmente radicate e adatte al clima.

Non si tratta, però, esclusivamente di ripristinare ciò che è stato degradato, ma di creare nuovi percorsi affinché le relazioni tra comunità, culture ed ecosistemi possano prosperare insieme. Le comunità rigenerative sono infatti ecosistemi dinamici e co-creativi in ​​cui tutti gli attori, umani e non solo, partecipano attivamente alla formazione reciproca e del proprio ambiente condiviso. La rigenerazione è vista come un processo attivo e relazionale in cui le comunità non sono semplicemente sostenute ma continuamente reimmaginate e rimodellate dalla reciproca influenza di tutti i partecipanti, umani e non-umani. È un impegno per una trasformazione a lungo termine, in cui coltivare, mangiare, apprendere e acquistare cibo locale vengono intesi come atti di cura, collaborazione e interesse.

Comunità in formazione

L’istruzione è un aspetto vitale della transizione agroecologica. Attraverso l’apprendimento esperienziale, basato sul territorio e sul luogo, è possibile promuovere una connessione con gli ecosistemi locali, i sistemi alimentari e le pratiche sostenibili, garantendo che l’istruzione non sia uno sforzo astratto e meramente cognitivo ma un’esperienza relazionale coinvolgente e pratica. Interagendo attivamente con la terra, i partecipanti acquisiscono un profondo rispetto per la complessità della natura e la resilienza dei sistemi agroecologici, riconoscendo il loro ruolo personale e collettivo nella gestione ambientale.

Il programma di educazione ecologica di Terrae Vivae è dunque molto più di un semplice percorso di apprendimento prevedendo la creazione di legami tra le persone, la terra, la comunità, le fattorie e gli ecosistemi complessi che ci sostengono. La partecipazione attiva dei membri della comunità rende questo processo un’esperienza condivisa e viva. Grazie a questo approccio inclusivo, chi partecipa riscopre il proprio legame con il territorio in modo autentico e significativo attraverso il metodo del “imparare facendo” che prevede uno scambio continuo di conoscenze tra generazioni. Così, i giovani diventano custodi di un sapere ecologico prezioso e protagonisti attivi del cambiamento nelle loro comunità, attraverso un rapporto diretto e concreto con la terra.

L’educazione ecologica è allora uno strumento imprescindibile per costruire futuri sostenibili, in cui il rispetto per la complessità e la resilienza della natura si traduce in pratiche quotidiane di cura e rigenerazione. Questi percorsi promuovono non solo la conoscenza, ma anche la capacità di agire come agenti di cambiamento, riconoscendo nei giovani non semplici destinatari, ma protagonisti attivi della trasformazione sociale ed ecologica. Non si tratta solo di acquisire informazioni, ma di coltivare un rispetto profondo per la complessità della natura e per la resilienza dei sistemi agroecologici e di riconoscere alle nuove generazioni il loro ruolo fondamentale di custodi dell’ambiente.

E’ allora essenziale ispirare e dotare la prossima generazione delle competenze, delle conoscenze e dell’alfabetizzazione ecologica necessarie per sostenere comunità resilienti eque, eque ed ecologicamente consapevoli per incoraggiare una transizione verso pratiche di vita sostenibili che privilegino la resilienza ambientale, la conoscenza locale e l’esperienza globale. Attraverso pratiche rigenerative, l’educazione ai principi dell’ecologia profonda e l’azione guidata dalla comunità, è possibile costruire comunità resilienti che siano consapevoli dal punto di vista ecologico e siano in grado di intraprendere azioni significative per il pianeta.

Celebrare la biodiversità per avviare processi rigenerativi

La Festa della Biodiversità celebra il lavoro collettivo con la comunità e rappresenta la sintesi concreta del nostro approccio pedagogico e politico. Questo evento, che si svolge solitamente al termine di ogni ciclo didattico, rafforza i legami tra produttori, studenti e famiglie, mettendo al centro i giovani e costruendo una rete di relazioni sempre più forte e vitale. Laboratori, scambi di semi, dialoghi intergenerazionali, momenti di riflessione collettiva e di gioco diventano strumenti concreti per esercitare la democrazia alimentare e per costruire sistemi alimentari più equi, resilienti e sostenibili.

 

E’ quanto si racconta nel cortometraggio “Biodiversity is Life“, presentato in occasione della Festa della Biodiversità. Il cortometraggio racconta l’esperienza dell’educazione ecologica attraverso un percorso di scoperta e apprendimento sui temi della biodiversità, dell’agroecologia e della cura della terra. Un percorso che inizia in India, presso l’Università della Terra di Navdanya che, da oltre vent’anni, accoglie piccoli agricoltori e studenti da tutto il mondo per trasmettere pensieri e pratiche dell’agroecologia. E’ proprio Vandana Shiva, presidente di Navdanya, a spiegare il legame fra la tutela della biodiversità e il nostro benessere fisico e spirituale. Attraverso immagini e testimonianze, il cortometraggio documenta le attività svolte sui territori: dall’osservazione diretta degli ecosistemi alle pratiche agricole sostenibili, dai laboratori didattici alle esperienze collettive, sottolineando il ruolo attivo delle nuove generazioni come custodi di un sapere ecologico che coniuga tradizione e innovazione. “Biodiversity is Life” restituisce il senso e l’impatto di un’esperienza che ha saputo andare oltre la semplice trasmissione di conoscenze, promuovendo una cultura della responsabilità condivisa e un legame autentico con il territorio.

La Festa della Biodiversità è, finalmente, un invito permanente a unirsi al movimento di trasformazione di Terrae Vivae, a diventare protagonisti del cambiamento e a difendere il diritto di tutte e tutti a un cibo sano, locale e prodotto nel rispetto della terra e delle persone. Coltivare consapevolezza ecologica significa coltivare la capacità di agire insieme per rigenerare i nostri territori, restituendo consapevolezza, dignità e resilienza alle comunità.

 

Even if you joined us at the Toronto in-person gathering, come to this meeting.

On August 17, 2025, join the emergency MWAC Member’s Assembly Rosalind is deported, our homes and workplaces are unbearably hot, and anti-immigrant racism is everywhere.

The federal government is consulting on future immigration plans. Bad anti-migrant laws like Bill C-2, and others may be passed when Parliament returns from holidays in September.

Join the Emergency Meeting to hear about the government’s plans, to hold each other close, make strategic plans about MWAC needs to do in the near future, and renew your membership (if you haven’t already).

This is an emergency assembly for new and existing members ONLY, and you will hear new updates, including about a massive global day of action on September 20 – so join even if you already attended the Toronto in-person gathering.

Date: Sunday, August 17, 2025

Place: Zoom (register to get the link!)

Time: 7pm ON, 4pm BC, 5pm AB, 8pm NB

United we are Stronger!

The post Online Emergency Meeting – Only for Members first appeared on Migrant Workers Alliance for Change.

The post Online Emergency Meeting – Only for Members appeared first on Migrant Workers Alliance for Change.

English subtitles available

The short film “Biodiversity is Life” tells the story of an ecological education journey that empowers young people as guardians of the future.

This video documents the educational project “Biodiversity is Life“, promoted by Navdanya International, which offers youth and communities a path of discovery and learning about biodiversity, agroecology, and care for the Earth.

This journey began in India, at Navdanya Earth University, which has been welcoming students from around the world for more than 20 years to pass on concepts and practices of agroecology. It is precisely Vandana Shiva, president of Navdanya, who explains the link between protecting biodiversity and our physical and spiritual well-being. That is a teaching that is echoed in Europe through Navdanya International’s educational programs.

Through powerful images and testimonies, the film shows how participants explored the connections between soil, landscape, community, and ecological justice, developing regenerative practices and a deep awareness of their role as agents of change.

Navdanya International’s educational programs aim to inspire and equip the next generation with the skills, knowledge, and ecological literacy needed to support resilient, equitable, and ecologically conscious communities. At the core of our work is a desire to create deep connections between people, land, communities, farms and the complex ecosystems that sustain us. We redesign the traditional classroom by transforming the neighborhood, the farms, and the community itself into true political and participatory learning spaces. The active participation of community members makes this process a shared and living experience, where food democracy is built day by day.

Our approach is rooted in “learning by doing,” complemented by the ongoing exchange of knowledge across generations. In this way, young people become custodians of valuable ecological wisdom and active agents of change within their communities. Through direct, hands-on engagement with the land, they cultivate a profound respect for the complexity of nature and the resilience of agroecological systems. This process empowers new generations to recognize their vital role as stewards of the environment and as conscious, engaged citizens.

We encourage a transition towards sustainable ways of living that prioritize environmental resilience, local knowledge, and global experience. Through regenerative practices, education in deep ecology principles, and community-led action, we seek to build resilient communities that are ecologically aware and capable of meaningful planetary stewardship.

This film is an invitation to join us in building a future where people, cultures, and ecosystems coexist in balance and harmony.

Also watch:

Voices of Diversity and Resilience – Video Series