PROCINORTE’s inaugural workshop attracted over 60 scientists from Mexico, the U.S., and Canada. The event focused on the challenges of soil, water, and climate change, which are crucial to North America’s agricultural future. While strategies vary across countries, these challenges are of trilateral relevance, and solutions are vital for sustainable agricultural systems.

The Role of Social Sciences in Climate Change Solutions

During the workshop, researchers emphasized the importance of social sciences in understanding climate change’s impact on decision-making in agriculture. Dr. Peck highlighted that social scientists can help address equity issues and empower farmers, including women, youth, and indigenous peoples, to adopt agroecological practices.

Climate Change and Its Effects on Soil and Water

Increasing temperatures are affecting soil health and carbon storage, with potential consequences like erosion and groundwater contamination. Scientists agreed on the need to research carbon sequestration methods and to harmonize metrics to assess soil health effectively. Water scarcity also emerged as a significant issue, with gaps in data and predictive tools hindering effective management.

Collaboration and Future Research Directions

The workshop emphasized the importance of cross-border collaboration. Scientists proposed developing shared spaces for publishing research, tools, and datasets. Long-term cooperation will be essential to improve water management, mitigate climate change, and enhance food production systems. The goal is to improve the yields of intensive food systems and help small-scale farmers be more efficient.

Key Areas for Future Cooperation

Future research will focus on developing decision tools and climate models, leveraging existing research across countries, and including more stakeholders in climate solutions. The goal is to replicate successful models, such as the U.S. Climate Hub Network, and standardize data to accelerate climate adaptation across North America.