Tropical forests are known to be hotspots of tree diversity on earth, and it is known that the species found vary greatly depending on soil, elevation, and other factors. However, the morphology and function of tree species that would appear in which environment has not been well understood. Research conducted at Mount Kinabalu (4,095 m above sea level) in Borneo, the highest mountain in Southeast Asia, with the University of Sabah, Malaysia, suggests that trees maximize the period of time during which they can photosynthesize in response to multiple environmental stresses such as low temperature, high humidity, and strong winds at high altitudes by developing robust leaves. For this research, Dr. Kawai received the 25th Kira Award of the Japan Society of Tropical Ecology.

In recent years, damage to crops caused by transboundary insect pests has been increasing. In order to control the damage caused by transboundary pests, it is necessary to establish an international cooperative system that includes developing regions. The “Transboundary pest management” project aims to develop environment-friendly control technologies for transboundary pests, which have become a major problem worldwide, in collaboration with research institutes located in countries where transboundary pests occur. In addition, we will present economic evaluation models that will serve as a guideline for the development of efficient integrated pest management technologies in preparation for the emergence of new transboundary pests.

On August 13, 2021, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that July 2021 was the hottest month on record since records began 142 years ago. As the IPCC report released last week on August 9 mentions, this confirms the acceleration of climate change caused by anthropogenic activities.

Today, the global food system is constantly exposed to global crises including climate change and pandemics. At the same time, the global food system is one of the major drivers of biodiversity loss and climate change, while failing to provide healthy diets universally with double or triple burdens of hunger, i.e., malnutrition and obesity. Science, technology and innovation are urgently needed to build sustainable good systems serving both human and planetary health. The ‘Information Program’ aims to collect and analyze information, and address the challenges affecting the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sector and the global food systems from various perspectives, and to provide strategic and evidence-based information on potential solutions.

The Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS) is working with national agricultural research institutes and other organizations in developing countries of tropical areas through cooperation, to develop technologies needed by small-scale farmers who are exposed to the effects of climate change. In addition, as part of the Green Food System Strategy, which is the culmination of Japan's science and technology innovation, a model for initiatives in the Asian monsoon region, we are promoting international joint research with countries in the region.

Earth Overshoot Day marks the day in a given year when humanity’s demand for ecological resources and services exceeds the Earth's ability to regenerate and supply them. This year, it falls on July 29, three months earlier than last year's August 22, due to COVID-19 pandemic deterrence policies and other factors, and has reverted to 2019 levels.