Earth Day 2025: Our Power, Our Planet

Credit: ©2014CIAT/GeorginaSmith 

On April 22nd, CGIAR proudly joins the global community to mark Earth Day 2025 under the empowering theme: “Our Power, Our Planet.”  

This theme highlights the pressing need for collective action to advance renewable energy, achieve sustainable agriculture, and safeguard the environment for future generations. 

On this day, we celebrate our beautiful planet, home to diverse ecosystems, breathtaking landscapes, and remarkable species that we must protect. 

Earth Day has become the world’s largest civic observance, uniting over a billion people annually across more than 190 countries. At CGIAR, we embrace this global call to action, reinforcing our commitment to transforming food, land, and water systems through innovative, sustainable, and equitable solutions. 

Championing Climate Resilience 

Climate resilience lies at the core of CGIAR’s mission. 

Initiatives like Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA) have empowered over 1,000 smallholder farmers in East Africa to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices.  

By implementing drought-tolerant crops and sustainable farming methods, these communities are now better prepared to manage unpredictable weather conditions and protect the earth beneath their feet. 

Credit: CCAFS/2014/Prashanth Vishwanathan 

The CGIAR Climate Action program pioneers more resilient, low-emission farms, landscapes, and aquatic systems tailored to local needs. The program aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1 gigaton of CO₂ equivalent by 2030, unlock US$15 billion in climate finance, and support 38 million smallholder farmers across 30 countries. 

The CGIAR Accelerator on Sustainable Animal and Aquatic Foods addresses climate challenges specific to livestock production. This initiative supports livestock-dependent communities while minimizing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the health of land, water, and biodiversity vital to Earth’s natural balance. It is implementing 18 bilateral projects with a total funding of US$84 million, aiming to impact over 1 million people. 

Biodiversity and Nature-Based Solutions 

Credit: ©2021 CIAT/Juan Pablo Marin García 

Preserving biodiversity and ecosystems is fundamental to sustainable agriculture and food security. For example, CGIAR’s Nature-Positive Solutions has made significant progress in promoting nature-positive solutions through research and community action. The initiative integrates cutting-edge research with local engagement and digital tools to enhance biodiversity, regenerate landscapes, and ensure sustainable food production.

Nexus Gains initiatives promote coexistence between agricultural productivity and ecological restoration, addressing critical intersections of food, energy, and water security. Healthy, vibrant ecosystems are essential to the long-term well-being of our planet. The initiative has developed a suite of learning resources to support capacity development in integrated management of water, energy, food, and ecosystems.

Credit: CGIAR 

CGIAR also safeguards global crop diversity through the CGIAR Genebanks Accelerator. It conserves over 700,000 accessions of more than 3,000 plant species, including crop wild relatives. These genetic resources are vital for developing climate-adapted crops and resilient food systems. Since 2014, the genebanks have distributed over 1 million samples to users worldwide.​

The Multifunctional Landscapes Program brings together our science to support sustainable and diverse eco-agrifood systems, resilient livelihoods, and healthy diets while remaining within planetary boundaries. Currently, it focuses on combating biodiversity loss and restoring ecosystems by integrating agroecological, nature-positive, and other complementary approaches. 

Empowering Communities for Sustainable Change 

Credit: CGIAR  

CGIAR recognizes that meaningful, sustainable change begins at the community level. 

Our research prioritizes local knowledge and places smallholder farmers, especially women and youth, at the center of innovation, ensuring their connection with the land remains strong and sustainable. 

Participatory approaches, such as climate-smart villages and community-driven plant breeding programs, ensure technologies and solutions are culturally appropriate and practically effective. 

Recent collaborations, such as the CGIAR-France Action Plan signed in March 2025, demonstrate our commitment to collective action. This partnership addresses poverty alleviation, gender equality, food security, and sustainable resource management, amplifying positive impacts across the Global South. 

Towards a Sustainable Future 

Credit: Neil Palmer / CIAT 

As we mark Earth Day 2025, we remain dedicated to translating scientific research into tangible, scalable actions that foster climate resilience, safeguard biodiversity, and empower communities globally.  

By harnessing renewable energy, championing sustainable agriculture, and fostering inclusive partnerships, CGIAR contributes meaningfully to Earth Day’s powerful message: together, our collective power can protect and heal our planet. 

CGIAR invites all stakeholders—farmers, researchers, policymakers, and citizens—to unite in our shared responsibility and collective strength. Together, we can realize a thriving, equitable, and sustainable future for all. 

Join CGIAR in celebrating Earth Day 2025—Our Power, Our Planet. 

News and Resources

Learn more about CGIAR’s Programs and Accelerators and our efforts to protect the Earth and cultivate a sustainable future:  

• An Ethiopian FABLE: Making integrated water–energy–food–ecosystems futures visible 

• Preserving Africa’s glaciers is protecting our future  

• Putting climate security on African agendas 

• Promoting peace and climate resilience in post-conflict communities 

• Nurturing equitable climate adaptation planning in the Philippines 

• Secure, better-managed rangelands for pastoralism, climate adaptation, and mitigation 

• Empowering 20,000 Guatemalan Farmers to Thrive Despite Climate Change 

• CGIAR’s statement to UNCCD COP16 gathering underscores a holistic approach to sustainable land management 

• How much carbon can Kenyan grasslands store in their soils? Insights from the CarboGrass Project 

• A global approach to crop wild relative conservation: securing the gene pool for food and agriculture 

• Conservation agriculture helps smallholder farmers to be more resource-efficient
  

• Conservation Agriculture: A greener, smarter ,and economic way to grow food 

• Artificial intelligence helps unearth genebanks’ hidden gems 

Learn more about CGIAR’s efforts to protect the Earth and cultivate a sustainable future. Our 2025–2030 Research Portfolio drives bold, science-based action for a thriving planet.