Chiang Rai's Climathon: How to better connect and mainstream the supplies and demands of food production to reduce air pollution

The Climate-KIC Climathon is a global 24-hour climate change event which will take place simultaneously in major cities around the world on 28 October 2016.

In Chiang Rai the Climate-KIC Climathon will begin on the morning of the 28 October ICT and finish on the following day. It is organised by Mae Fah Luang University to better connect and mainstream the supplies and demands of food production to reduce air pollution.

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The Challenge

Every year the sky in Chiang Rai like that of other cities in the North of Thailand is covered by a thick layer of smog. The particles are believed to come from open burning of agricultural residues of cash crops like rice and maize. Maize production in particular has expanded rapidly in recent years in order to meet the growing demand of livestock industries.

Smog is just but one symptom of an unsustainable way of our agricultural system. Others include deforestation, excessive use of toxic chemicals, nutrient loads that are washed to water sources, etc. The centralized system is also bad for the climate considering the production of chemicals used and the transportation of these products to the farmers and from the farmers to consumers.
There is hope, however. Many farmers have shifted to more sustainable practices and some can meet the standards for organic produces. At the same time, there is an alliance of restaurants and hotels in Chiang Rai under the banner of Chiang Rai Safe Food that tries to create a demand for safer products. These initiatives can help mitigating our impacts on the climate and improve our food security under the changing climate.

The challenge is how to better connect and mainstream the supplies and demands of the food that is safe for us and for the sky. The ideas we are searching for might be technology-driven like an application on mobile devices that allows the consumers to buy locally produced organic products, new business models that connect food security to eco-tourism, etc. Key stakeholders who are part of the existing initiatives will participate on 28 Oct to provide information on their work and experiences to help team sharpening the ideas. Some will be part of the jury.

Pitching to expert judges

The Climathon event will culminate in presentation of each group’s idea in front of panel members who will provide valuable feedback. The panel is comprised of different science and business experts.

Partners

Mae Fah Luang University

Mae Fah Luang University, in the province of Chiang Rai in northern Thailand.

How to join the Climathon

How will you benefit from participating in Climathon?

Help solve your city’s local climate challenge, and make your city more resilient to climate change
Network with local leaders from academia, business and public authorities
Develop your skills in public speaking, innovative thinking, prioritisation, and explore new tools and methodologies
Join forces with other like-minded entrepreneurs and innovators
Become a part of a global community working together to take climate action!