Donna Bowater
@donnabowater.com
Global development communications consultant with Marchmont Communications and Wolves supporter. Formerly foreign correspondent in Rio, now in Melbourne.
www.donnabowater.com
www.donnabowater.com
Africa’s young people are energetic, educated—and frustrated, writes former Ethiopian prime minister Hailemariam Dessalegn. With the right structural tweaks and investments, agriculture can offer enormous opportunities for Gen-Z.
www.cnbcafrica.com/2025/africas...
www.cnbcafrica.com/2025/africas...
Africa’s youth have a growing appetite for change. Agrifood systems can feed their ambitions
From Nairobi and Kampala to Accra and Maputo, the streets of Africa’s capitals have filled with young people demanding change. Over the past year, youth across the continent have marched to protest co...
www.cnbcafrica.com
August 26, 2025 at 12:37 PM
Africa’s young people are energetic, educated—and frustrated, writes former Ethiopian prime minister Hailemariam Dessalegn. With the right structural tweaks and investments, agriculture can offer enormous opportunities for Gen-Z.
www.cnbcafrica.com/2025/africas...
www.cnbcafrica.com/2025/africas...
Great round-up of views on how the climate talks could be reformed via @carbonbrief.org. Consensus seems to be a more streamlined, frequent and focused set of meetings rather than a single, heavy-handed and slow-moving COP.
www.carbonbrief.org/cop-experts-...
www.carbonbrief.org/cop-experts-...
COP experts: How could the UN climate talks be reformed? - Carbon Brief
with another round of negotiations looming at COP30 in November, there has been growing discontent with the UN climate process.
www.carbonbrief.org
August 13, 2025 at 1:06 AM
Great round-up of views on how the climate talks could be reformed via @carbonbrief.org. Consensus seems to be a more streamlined, frequent and focused set of meetings rather than a single, heavy-handed and slow-moving COP.
www.carbonbrief.org/cop-experts-...
www.carbonbrief.org/cop-experts-...
Coming up at 9am GMT tomorrow: the 16th Malabo Montpellier Forum, where a new report on financing Africa's food systems transformation will be launched.
Join @aruhweza.bsky.social, @cgiar-emd.bsky.social and others here: www.mamopanel.org/Forum/16th-m...
Join @aruhweza.bsky.social, @cgiar-emd.bsky.social and others here: www.mamopanel.org/Forum/16th-m...
16th Malabo Montpellier Forum
MONEYWISE: Policy Innovations to Finance Africa's Agrifood Systems.
www.mamopanel.org
August 6, 2025 at 5:16 AM
Coming up at 9am GMT tomorrow: the 16th Malabo Montpellier Forum, where a new report on financing Africa's food systems transformation will be launched.
Join @aruhweza.bsky.social, @cgiar-emd.bsky.social and others here: www.mamopanel.org/Forum/16th-m...
Join @aruhweza.bsky.social, @cgiar-emd.bsky.social and others here: www.mamopanel.org/Forum/16th-m...
Despite inflation, ultra-processed foods were c.47% cheaper than minimally processed foods as of 2021.
“Transforming food systems without addressing healthy diets and nutrition is like air without oxygen,” says Afshan Khan, @scalingupnutrition.org coordinator.
www.telegraph.co.uk/global-healt...
“Transforming food systems without addressing healthy diets and nutrition is like air without oxygen,” says Afshan Khan, @scalingupnutrition.org coordinator.
www.telegraph.co.uk/global-healt...
Global hunger declines for first time since the pandemic, data shows
But report warns that hunger is still climbing in much of Africa and that the overall improvement is not enough to meet UN targets
www.telegraph.co.uk
July 29, 2025 at 10:19 AM
Despite inflation, ultra-processed foods were c.47% cheaper than minimally processed foods as of 2021.
“Transforming food systems without addressing healthy diets and nutrition is like air without oxygen,” says Afshan Khan, @scalingupnutrition.org coordinator.
www.telegraph.co.uk/global-healt...
“Transforming food systems without addressing healthy diets and nutrition is like air without oxygen,” says Afshan Khan, @scalingupnutrition.org coordinator.
www.telegraph.co.uk/global-healt...
New sources of private sector climate finance are urgently needed, and businesses want to invest in quality carbon markets. So how do we connect the dots? Mark Kenber, executive director at VCMI, explains the need for clear, stable and aligned rules via @reuters.com
www.reuters.com/sustainabili...
www.reuters.com/sustainabili...
Carbon markets can help fill the climate finance gap. Here’s how we can unleash their potential
After growing strongly over five years from 2016, the voluntary carbon market shrank for the third consecutive year last year, weighed down by continuing concerns around quality and reputational risk, despite progress to improve integrity standards.
www.reuters.com
July 29, 2025 at 9:34 AM
New sources of private sector climate finance are urgently needed, and businesses want to invest in quality carbon markets. So how do we connect the dots? Mark Kenber, executive director at VCMI, explains the need for clear, stable and aligned rules via @reuters.com
www.reuters.com/sustainabili...
www.reuters.com/sustainabili...
Four years ago, the UN held its first Food Systems Summit. Despite some progress, hunger remains stubbornly high.
Investing in science and collaboration can make up ground, write Shakuntala Thilsted & Ismahane Elouafi of @cgiar.org for @scidevnet.bsky.social #UNFSS+4
www.scidev.net/global/opini...
Investing in science and collaboration can make up ground, write Shakuntala Thilsted & Ismahane Elouafi of @cgiar.org for @scidevnet.bsky.social #UNFSS+4
www.scidev.net/global/opini...
Progress still needed on food
Four years after the first UN Food Systems Summit, the world needs progress, write Shakuntala Haraksingh Thilsted and Ismahane Elouafi.
www.scidev.net
July 28, 2025 at 7:22 AM
Four years ago, the UN held its first Food Systems Summit. Despite some progress, hunger remains stubbornly high.
Investing in science and collaboration can make up ground, write Shakuntala Thilsted & Ismahane Elouafi of @cgiar.org for @scidevnet.bsky.social #UNFSS+4
www.scidev.net/global/opini...
Investing in science and collaboration can make up ground, write Shakuntala Thilsted & Ismahane Elouafi of @cgiar.org for @scidevnet.bsky.social #UNFSS+4
www.scidev.net/global/opini...
As yet new Covid strains take hold, an annual reminder for World Zoonoses Day that animal health _is_ public health.
Cross-species diseases are rising around 5% annually. Preventing disease in animals protects people. Via @healthpolicywatch.bsky.social
healthpolicy-watch.news/animal-healt...
Cross-species diseases are rising around 5% annually. Preventing disease in animals protects people. Via @healthpolicywatch.bsky.social
healthpolicy-watch.news/animal-healt...
Animal Health IS Public Health—It’s Time We Act Accordingly - Health Policy Watch
Furthermore, these zoonotic diseases are on the rise. Virus jumps from animals to humans are increasing around five per cent annually, meaning these pathogens
healthpolicy-watch.news
July 6, 2025 at 11:26 PM
As yet new Covid strains take hold, an annual reminder for World Zoonoses Day that animal health _is_ public health.
Cross-species diseases are rising around 5% annually. Preventing disease in animals protects people. Via @healthpolicywatch.bsky.social
healthpolicy-watch.news/animal-healt...
Cross-species diseases are rising around 5% annually. Preventing disease in animals protects people. Via @healthpolicywatch.bsky.social
healthpolicy-watch.news/animal-healt...
“In the end, it’s always the most vulnerable women and children that suffer.”
Excellent, devastating reporting on the impact of recent aid cuts on childhood malnutrition in Nepal via @cofford.bsky.social @science.org
www.science.org/content/arti...
Excellent, devastating reporting on the impact of recent aid cuts on childhood malnutrition in Nepal via @cofford.bsky.social @science.org
www.science.org/content/arti...
The U.S. reneged on aid commitments. Nepal’s malnourished children are paying the price
Hard-won progress in improving child and maternal nutrition hangs in the balance
www.science.org
June 27, 2025 at 3:45 AM
“In the end, it’s always the most vulnerable women and children that suffer.”
Excellent, devastating reporting on the impact of recent aid cuts on childhood malnutrition in Nepal via @cofford.bsky.social @science.org
www.science.org/content/arti...
Excellent, devastating reporting on the impact of recent aid cuts on childhood malnutrition in Nepal via @cofford.bsky.social @science.org
www.science.org/content/arti...
The best use of a shared spreadsheet for quite some time.
Former USAID staffers match victims of aid cuts with new donors.
edition.cnn.com/2025/06/22/a...
Former USAID staffers match victims of aid cuts with new donors.
edition.cnn.com/2025/06/22/a...
These former USAID staff are working to match donors to urgent, lifesaving aid projects that had their funding slashed | CNN
In a warehouse in Nigeria, a nonprofit’s stocks of food to treat malnourished children and pregnant women are running low. Former US aid workers have set up an initiative to find donors to save this a...
edition.cnn.com
June 23, 2025 at 9:34 AM
The best use of a shared spreadsheet for quite some time.
Former USAID staffers match victims of aid cuts with new donors.
edition.cnn.com/2025/06/22/a...
Former USAID staffers match victims of aid cuts with new donors.
edition.cnn.com/2025/06/22/a...
Reposted by Donna Bowater
Yes please eradicate the mosquito that carries malaria.
I don't think it's an ethical question, but a practical one. We have to weigh anticipated benefits vs. harms. There's a lot of uncertainty on the harm side, but the anticipated benefits are huge.
www.washingtonpost.com/climate-envi...
I don't think it's an ethical question, but a practical one. We have to weigh anticipated benefits vs. harms. There's a lot of uncertainty on the harm side, but the anticipated benefits are huge.
www.washingtonpost.com/climate-envi...
We finally may be able to rid the world of mosquitoes. But should we?
Gene editing holds the potential of suppressing mosquito species that carry deadly diseases — and raises ethical questions.
www.washingtonpost.com
June 3, 2025 at 9:17 PM
Yes please eradicate the mosquito that carries malaria.
I don't think it's an ethical question, but a practical one. We have to weigh anticipated benefits vs. harms. There's a lot of uncertainty on the harm side, but the anticipated benefits are huge.
www.washingtonpost.com/climate-envi...
I don't think it's an ethical question, but a practical one. We have to weigh anticipated benefits vs. harms. There's a lot of uncertainty on the harm side, but the anticipated benefits are huge.
www.washingtonpost.com/climate-envi...
ICYMI @who.int members recently adopted a landmark resolution to curb digital marketing of baby formula and protect parents’ right to accurate information.
Afshan Khan, @scalingupnutrition.org coordinator, outlines the next steps for @scidevnet.bsky.social
www.scidev.net/global/opini...
Afshan Khan, @scalingupnutrition.org coordinator, outlines the next steps for @scidevnet.bsky.social
www.scidev.net/global/opini...
Aggressive online baby formula campaigns must end
A global resolution on digital marketing of breast milk substitutes must be rigorously enforced, writes UN Assistant Secretary-General Afshan Khan.
www.scidev.net
June 3, 2025 at 8:13 AM
ICYMI @who.int members recently adopted a landmark resolution to curb digital marketing of baby formula and protect parents’ right to accurate information.
Afshan Khan, @scalingupnutrition.org coordinator, outlines the next steps for @scidevnet.bsky.social
www.scidev.net/global/opini...
Afshan Khan, @scalingupnutrition.org coordinator, outlines the next steps for @scidevnet.bsky.social
www.scidev.net/global/opini...
Reposted by Donna Bowater
The entire population of Gaza — 2.1 million people — is now in a food crisis, with one in five on the brink of starvation as aid remains blocked.
Famine stalks Gaza as Israel blocks aid at the border
Famine stalks Gaza as Israel blocks aid at the border
www.devex.com
May 28, 2025 at 11:02 PM
The entire population of Gaza — 2.1 million people — is now in a food crisis, with one in five on the brink of starvation as aid remains blocked.
Reposted by Donna Bowater
Animal health is often overlooked within public health, yet animal diseases are spreading to new regions and new species.
First report on the world's animal health is a reminder that human and animal health are interconnected. Via @thenationalnews.com
www.thenationalnews.com/health/2025/...
First report on the world's animal health is a reminder that human and animal health are interconnected. Via @thenationalnews.com
www.thenationalnews.com/health/2025/...
Diseases continue to cross species barrier as global bird flu cases double | The National
Climate change, animal trade and falling vaccination rates leading to rise
www.thenationalnews.com
May 26, 2025 at 3:19 AM
Animal health is often overlooked within public health, yet animal diseases are spreading to new regions and new species.
First report on the world's animal health is a reminder that human and animal health are interconnected. Via @thenationalnews.com
www.thenationalnews.com/health/2025/...
First report on the world's animal health is a reminder that human and animal health are interconnected. Via @thenationalnews.com
www.thenationalnews.com/health/2025/...
Animal health is often overlooked within public health, yet animal diseases are spreading to new regions and new species.
First report on the world's animal health is a reminder that human and animal health are interconnected. Via @thenationalnews.com
www.thenationalnews.com/health/2025/...
First report on the world's animal health is a reminder that human and animal health are interconnected. Via @thenationalnews.com
www.thenationalnews.com/health/2025/...
Diseases continue to cross species barrier as global bird flu cases double | The National
Climate change, animal trade and falling vaccination rates leading to rise
www.thenationalnews.com
May 26, 2025 at 3:19 AM
Animal health is often overlooked within public health, yet animal diseases are spreading to new regions and new species.
First report on the world's animal health is a reminder that human and animal health are interconnected. Via @thenationalnews.com
www.thenationalnews.com/health/2025/...
First report on the world's animal health is a reminder that human and animal health are interconnected. Via @thenationalnews.com
www.thenationalnews.com/health/2025/...
Reposted by Donna Bowater
Analysis: By matching Brazil and the UK’s climate ambitions, the world could secure a liveable future
theprogressplaybook.com/2025/05/20/a...
theprogressplaybook.com/2025/05/20/a...
Analysis: By matching Brazil and the UK's climate ambitions, the world could secure a liveable future
Few countries have promised to cut emissions enough to avoid catastrophic levels of global heating.
theprogressplaybook.com
May 21, 2025 at 9:09 AM
Analysis: By matching Brazil and the UK’s climate ambitions, the world could secure a liveable future
theprogressplaybook.com/2025/05/20/a...
theprogressplaybook.com/2025/05/20/a...
"Improving food literacy – the knowledge of food, its origins, and use – among the global community is crucial for transforming food systems to become healthier, fairer and more sustainable."
www.weforum.org/stories/2025...
www.weforum.org/stories/2025...
Food literacy: Why food origins matter for a sustainable future
Knowing where food comes from and how it’s produced can empower consumers to make better choices. Here's how policy change and tech can drive systemic change.
www.weforum.org
May 19, 2025 at 10:47 AM
"Improving food literacy – the knowledge of food, its origins, and use – among the global community is crucial for transforming food systems to become healthier, fairer and more sustainable."
www.weforum.org/stories/2025...
www.weforum.org/stories/2025...
@emilyanthes.bsky.social Hi, have flagged a forthcoming report by email that I thought might be of interest.
May 19, 2025 at 10:46 AM
@emilyanthes.bsky.social Hi, have flagged a forthcoming report by email that I thought might be of interest.
Happening now: opening ceremony of the 2025 World Seed Congress, convened by @seedfed.bsky.social
Watch live: www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEBu...
Watch live: www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEBu...
#WorldSeed2025: Opening Ceremony
YouTube video by Channel World Seed by ISF
www.youtube.com
May 19, 2025 at 6:36 AM
Happening now: opening ceremony of the 2025 World Seed Congress, convened by @seedfed.bsky.social
Watch live: www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEBu...
Watch live: www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEBu...
Congratulations to Dr. Mariangela Hungria, this year's World Food Prize Laureate, a microbiologist who helped make Brazil a global breadbasket.
Great piece from @dancharles.bsky.social @npr.org
www.npr.org/sections/goa...
Great piece from @dancharles.bsky.social @npr.org
www.npr.org/sections/goa...
The 'Oscar' of food prizes goes to a Brazilian who harnessed the power of bacteria
This year's $500,000 World Food Prize, for advances in agriculture and nutrition, goes to Mariangela Hungria, who boosted Brazil's farming revolution, turning the country into a soybean superpower.
www.npr.org
May 13, 2025 at 11:20 PM
Congratulations to Dr. Mariangela Hungria, this year's World Food Prize Laureate, a microbiologist who helped make Brazil a global breadbasket.
Great piece from @dancharles.bsky.social @npr.org
www.npr.org/sections/goa...
Great piece from @dancharles.bsky.social @npr.org
www.npr.org/sections/goa...
Coming up today: the World Food Prize Foundation announces the 2025 Laureate(s).
Watch live from 18:00 CT: www.worldfoodprize.org/en/events/la...
Watch live from 18:00 CT: www.worldfoodprize.org/en/events/la...
Laureate Announcement - The World Food Prize - Improving the Quality, Quantity and Availability of Food in the World
www.worldfoodprize.org
May 13, 2025 at 7:14 AM
Coming up today: the World Food Prize Foundation announces the 2025 Laureate(s).
Watch live from 18:00 CT: www.worldfoodprize.org/en/events/la...
Watch live from 18:00 CT: www.worldfoodprize.org/en/events/la...
Reposted by Donna Bowater
Ceres' new report on food industry climate efforts shows Danone and Nestlé are singling out methane. It's far past time for other companies to follow suit by reporting methane separately from CO2 and investing in methane reduction.
Benchmarking effort reveals food industry’s leaders and laggards | Trellis
Danone, Nestlé, Starbucks and General Mills are among the companies highlighted by Ceres for working to reduce emissions.
buff.ly
May 6, 2025 at 9:37 PM
Ceres' new report on food industry climate efforts shows Danone and Nestlé are singling out methane. It's far past time for other companies to follow suit by reporting methane separately from CO2 and investing in methane reduction.
Coming up in less than two weeks: the World Seed Congress, hosted by @seedfed.bsky.social, in Istanbul.
More details on the world's largest seed sector gathering here: congress.worldseed.org
More details on the world's largest seed sector gathering here: congress.worldseed.org
World Seed Congress – Tûrkiye 2025 – Istanbul 19 – 21 May
congress.worldseed.org
May 6, 2025 at 7:39 AM
Coming up in less than two weeks: the World Seed Congress, hosted by @seedfed.bsky.social, in Istanbul.
More details on the world's largest seed sector gathering here: congress.worldseed.org
More details on the world's largest seed sector gathering here: congress.worldseed.org
Trump's House of Horrors: the US would spend more on Halloween supplies than on foreign aid based on the latest budget proposal, @devex.com reports in yesterday's newsletter.
www.devex.com/news/trump-b...
www.devex.com/news/trump-b...
Trump budget proposes unprecedented, 'reckless' cuts to foreign aid
The budget request would make massive cuts to global health, humanitarian aid, and core economic and development work.
www.devex.com
May 6, 2025 at 5:44 AM
Trump's House of Horrors: the US would spend more on Halloween supplies than on foreign aid based on the latest budget proposal, @devex.com reports in yesterday's newsletter.
www.devex.com/news/trump-b...
www.devex.com/news/trump-b...
An antidote to Blair's irrational and increasingly irrelevant intervention on net zero, via @theprogressplaybk.bsky.social
www.theprogressplaybook.com/p/chile-s-cl...
www.theprogressplaybook.com/p/chile-s-cl...
Chile's clean energy march⚡
Plus, more sustainable development news.
www.theprogressplaybook.com
April 30, 2025 at 6:26 AM
An antidote to Blair's irrational and increasingly irrelevant intervention on net zero, via @theprogressplaybk.bsky.social
www.theprogressplaybook.com/p/chile-s-cl...
www.theprogressplaybook.com/p/chile-s-cl...