On the verge of the UN Climate Summit, being held in New York on 23 September, an article in the Huffington Post takes stock of whether “the maps we have on climate change are sufficiently up-to-date and whether we have the ability to understand them”.

Timothy S. Thomas, a research fellow at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), writes that while we now know more than ever about the impacts of rising temperatures, a great deal more research is needed to address the challenge of feeding growing populations in warmer and less predictable climates.

He outlines the need for better roadmaps, such as on understanding how to lower greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture and how climate change will impact farmers.

Developing ways to help farmers (who are the most vulnerable) to adapt to the changes is most critical. They need to learn how to manage water in hotter environments, they need access to new seeds and help in managing soil fertility and combating increased pests and diseases.

The Global Alliance for Climate-Smart Agriculture will be launched at the summit, a promising step towards boosting climate research. But more is needed, says Thomas, highlighting the need for further research to show whether increasing soil carbon through no-till agriculture, animal manures, agroforestry and better crop residue management is a win-win solution in most circumstances.

Thomas concludes by calling on those gathered in New York to “not forget the vital role of research in this journey called climate change, so that we don't get lost, make wrong turns and potentially miss our hoped-for destination”.

Read the full story: A Road Trip Without a Map: Why Research Is Vital for Confronting Climate Change