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Growing Climate Resilience: Regenerative Agriculture at University Demonstration Farms
Event Summary
Agriculture remains one of the most climate sensitive anthropocentric activities on the planet today. Conventional farming practices undoubtedly contribute to climate change but also are likely to be most impacted by it. Thus, there is a growing call for adaptive, sustainable solutions that prioritize environmental stewardship without compromising food security. The 2023 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) global climate meeting (COP28) marked a pivotal moment as more than 150 countries recognized a critical role for sustainable agriculture in addressing climate change. Regenerative agriculture emerges as an important tool, embracing practices that bolster biodiversity, reduce synthetic inputs, and minimize soil erosion. It aims to help curb greenhouse gas emissions, make resilient food systems, and emphasize the centrality of farming communities. Central to this paradigm shift is a focus on improving soil health, including the potential to sequester atmospheric carbon and help mitigate ongoing warming trends.
University demonstration farms emerge as pivotal catalysts in unlocking the potential of regenerative agriculture. Join us for discussion between the University of Pennsylvania and Great Lakes University Kisumu (Kenya), delving into how these participatory agriculture research centers foster collaboration among farmers, animal and climate scientists, veterinarians, and policymakers and serve as living laboratories for scaling up climate-smart practices through applied participatory research and knowledge exchange.
Register here to join for this first Energy Week at Penn discussion, featuring speakers from PennVet and Great Lakes University Kisumu in Kenya.
This event is a part of Energy Week at Penn, a week of energy-focused events across Penn’s campus. Browse and register for other Energy Week events: energyweek.upenn.edu
Andrew Hoffman
Dean, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary MedicineAndrew Hoffman is dean of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. An acclaimed researcher, clinician, teacher, and mentor, Dean Hoffman previously served as Director of the Regenerative Medicine Laboratory and Professor of Large Animal Internal Medicine at Tufts University.
Hazel Miseda Mumbo
Vice Chancellor, Great Lakes University KisumuHazel Miseda Mumbo is a multi disciplinary visionary leader with strategic competencies to manage complex assignments with 26 years experience in various sectors and positions. Currently, she is the Vice Chancellor of Great Lakes University of Kisumu.
Thomas Parsons
Professor of Animal Welfare and Ethics, School of Veterinary Medicine- New Bolton CenterThomas Parsons is the Marie A. Moore Professor of Animal Welfare and Ethics and the New Bolton Center at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. He is also a Professor of Swine Production Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine.
Rewe Thomas
Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs and Research, Great Lakes University of KisumuRewe Thomas is currently the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs and Research at the Great Lakes University of Kisumu. He is also an Associate Professor at Pwani University and Member of The National Scientific and Ethics Committee of NACOSTI, Kenya.
Thabo Lenneiye
Managing Director, Goldsmith Sustainable Agriculture FundThabo Lenneiye is the Managing Director of the Sustainable Agriculture Fund. She’s responsible for operationalizing the fund, launching initiatives focused on sustainable agriculture, and framing a research agenda that intersects with energy policy.
