Centre for Climate Science and Engineering Lecture Series: Multifunctional Nanomaterials for Agricultural Resilience and Progress Towards Sustainable Development Goals – 2

Sustainable and resilient food systems are an important component of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), as well as SDGs 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Resilient food systems incorporate multiple scientific thrusts that are adversely impacted by climate change risks, e.g., fertilizer delivery efficiency, seed protection, soil and plant health monitoring, therapeutic treatments, and food preservation. Nanoscale materials and their unique physicochemical properties can be leveraged to address these thrusts. For example, nanocarriers have been designed to slow-release agrochemicals such as copper, zinc, and potassium to plants (mimicking targeted drug delivery systems), thus providing plant nutrition and preventing excess nutrient wastage. Polymeric seed coatings have been synthesized to impart increased seed resistance to harsh physicochemical conditions, leading to better seed storage. Nanosensors have been designed to convert plant chemical signals into digital data, helping monitor plant stress responses in real time and mitigating crop losses. Although there is extensive literature evidence on such applications, there are several gaps, such as (i) a dearth of field trials, (ii) a lack of adequate stakeholder education on these applications, and (iii) a lack of policies for integrating these technologies into conventional agroecological systems.

This talk will discuss how the chemistries of different nanoscale materials can be engineered to impart plant resiliency to biotic and abiotic stress factors. We will assess the technology readiness levels of different applications and their gaps. We will also identify where near-term research and policy directions are required to advance further integration of these nanotechnologies into modern-day agriculture, considering different climate and socio-economic risks.

Dr. Anirban Kundu is a Senior Sustainability Consultant at Anthesis Consulting, where he advises clients on environment, climate change, and socio-economic risks and opportunities, and liaises with stakeholders to create sustainability and climate resilience programs. At Anthesis, Dr. Kundu works on various topics in corporate sustainability, conservation agriculture, climate change risk, and stakeholder education. Prior to joining Anthesis, he was a Program Manager with the Impact Challenge in Climate Innovation team at Google.org, where he assisted in evaluating AI-based climate mitigation and adaptation solutions.

Dr. Kundu holds a PhD in Environmental Engineering from McGill University, is Sustainability and Climate Risk (SCR) accredited by GARP, and has prior degrees in Bioengineering and Biochemical Engineering. His PhD research explored synergies between environmental microbiology, soil biogeosciences, and multifunctional nanomaterials for outcomes in environmental remediation of diesel-contaminated sub-Arctic soils and sustainable agriculture.

Outside work, Dr, Kundu manages the Editorial Committee of the Canadian Science Policy Centre (Canada’s largest science policy community) and sits on the advisory board of Wavemakers Canada (Canada’s only work-integrated learning program for post-secondary students). He also instructs university students through invited lectures on various environmental, sustainability, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I), and future-proof skills-development topics.

12:00 – 12:10 pm (EST) – Attendee arrival

12:10 – 12:50 pm (EST) – Presentation

12:50 – 1:00 pm (EST) – Q&A