Beyond CO₂: Rethinking climate‑smart growing

When we talk about climate action, the conversation often stops at CO₂.
But climate‑smart growing demands a much broader perspective.

At IPM 2026, Folkert Moll, Director Sustainability at Kekkilä-BVB shared our view on climate‑smart growing as a systemic challenge — one that connects biodiversity, land use, water management, food production, and livelihoods. These elements are deeply intertwined, and addressing them requires systems thinking, continuous learning, and balanced solutions.

✅ Health and wellbeing
Climate‑smart growing supports healthier diets, better access to fresh fruit and vegetables, and the proven physical and mental benefits of gardening.

✅ Ecosystem services
Horticulture can strengthen biodiversity, enable urban cooling, improve water efficiency, and create climate‑adaptive landscapes — while delivering higher yields with fewer resources.

✅ Optimised climate impact
Controlled and smart growing systems can achieve high productivity, enable land sparing and regeneration, and help offset emissions through broader environmental and societal benefits.

There is no one‑size‑fits‑all solution. But with fit‑for‑purpose substrates, innovation, and responsible choices, horticulture can play a key role in building resilient food systems and greener living — anywhere in the world.

🌿 Grow responsibly. And most of all, keep growing.