Climate change: adapted seeds for a sustainable future

Climate change is one of the most pressing problems of our time. As global temperatures rise and weather patterns become more unpredictable, the need for innovative solutions to combat these changes becomes increasingly pressing.

One of these solutions lies in the small but powerful force of seeds. From improving agricultural resilience to promoting biodiversity, seeds are emerging as a critical tool in the fight against climate change.

Potential life

Seeds are the basis of life on Earth. They contain the genetic blueprint for plant growth and reproduction, which are essential for food, shelter, and the overall health of our ecosystems. In the context of climate change, seeds offer unique advantages that can help us meet some of the challenges posed by a warming planet. These include their ability to adapt to changing conditions, support carbon sequestration and improve ecosystem resilience. In this context, the adaptability of seeds is crucial, as it allows the development of crops that can withstand extreme climatic conditions, pests and diseases.

Additionally, genetic diversity among seeds allows plants to produce traits that are better adapted to various climatic conditions. By selecting and planting these resilient seeds, farmers can ensure more stable food production even under adverse conditions.

In this sense, seed banks play a vital role in preserving genetic diversity. These repositories store seeds from a wide range of plant species, ensuring that genetic material is available for future breeding programs. In times of crisis, such as during natural disasters or pest outbreaks, seed banks provide the resources necessary to restore affected plant populations.

The role of science and research

Modern agricultural research focuses on growing plants that can thrive under changing climatic conditions. This involves crossing plants with desirable traits, such as shorter growing cycles to avoid periods of drought or improved root systems for better water absorption.

These climate resilient crops are crucial to ensuring food security in the face of climate change. Additionally, plants play a critical role in the carbon cycle by absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. Certain plant species, especially trees and perennial grasses, are highly effective at sequestering carbon in their biomass and root systems.

Seeds and carbon capture

Planting trees is one of the most effective ways to capture carbon. Seeds of fast-growing tree species can be sown in degraded areas to establish new forests or restore existing ones. These trees absorb CO2 as they grow, storing carbon in their wood and soil, and helping to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Integrating trees and shrubs into agricultural systems through agroforestry can improve carbon sequestration while providing additional benefits such as improving soil health and increasing biodiversity. Seeds from multi-purpose tree species are planted alongside crops, creating a more sustainable and resilient agricultural system. Perennial plants, which live several years, have deep root systems that store carbon more effectively than annual crops.

By planting seeds of perennial grains and grasses, farmers can increase carbon storage in agricultural soils, contributing to long-term carbon sequestration.

Promote biodiversity through seed diversity

Biodiversity is a cornerstone of ecosystem health and resilience. Diverse ecosystems are better equipped to withstand and recover from environmental stresses, such as those caused by climate change.

Seed-based restoration projects aim to rehabilitate degraded lands by reintroducing native plant species. These projects involve collecting and planting seeds from local plants, helping to restore natural habitats, improve soil health, and support wildlife populations.

Many plants depend on pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, for reproduction. By planting a variety of flowering plants from seed, we can create habitats that support pollinator populations. This not only improves biodiversity but also ensures continued pollination of crops and wild plants.

Diverse seed collections help maintain the genetic diversity of plant species, which is essential for adaptation to changing environmental conditions. Seed exchanges and community seed banks encourage seed exchange between farmers and gardeners, preserving heirloom varieties and promoting a rich gene pool.

Sustainable seed practices and case studies

To maximize the benefits of seeds in the fight against climate change, it is essential to adopt sustainable seed practices. This includes promoting organic farming, reducing the use of synthetic inputs and supporting small farmers. Organic seeds are produced without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, reducing the environmental impact of agriculture.

By using organic seeds, farmers can contribute to healthier soils and ecosystems, which are more resilient to climate change. Local and indigenous seed varieties are often better adapted to regional climates and soils. Supporting the cultivation of these varieties helps preserve cultural heritage and promotes agricultural biodiversity. Community seed banks empower local communities to save, exchange and plant seeds. These banks improve food security, preserve traditional knowledge and build community resilience to climate change.

Examples of work with adapted seeds

The impact of seeds in the fight against climate change can be illustrated through several case studies. The Great Green Wall, for example, is an ambitious initiative that seeks to combat desertification in the Sahel region of Africa by planting a wall of trees across the continent.

Seeds of drought-resistant tree species are planted to restore degraded lands, improve livelihoods and sequester carbon. The project has shown significant success in revitalizing ecosystems and supporting local communities.

In the United States, the Seed Savers Exchange is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving heirloom seeds. By encouraging gardeners and farmers to save and exchange seeds, the organization promotes biodiversity and resilience in agricultural systems. This grassroots movement helps protect rare plant varieties and ensures a diverse gene pool for future generations.

Another example is Push-Pull technology, an innovative agricultural technique developed to address the challenges of pests and climate change. It involves planting specific seeds that repel pests and attract beneficial insects. This method reduces the need for chemical pesticides, improves soil health and increases crop yields, providing a sustainable solution for smallholder farmers.