Climate Resilience

China's AI Weather System 'MAZU' Expands to 40+ Countries

Beijing – September 22, 2026 -- China's AI-powered meteorological early-warning system "MAZU" has been deployed for cloud-based trials in more than 40 countries, including Pakistan, Ethiopia, the Solomon Islands, Jordan, Sri Lanka, Mongolia and Djibouti, since its 2025 launch.

China Meteorological Administration unveils AI system as first tool under UN Early Warnings for All initiative

Released by the China Meteorological Administration at the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference, "MAZU" combines AI-based forecasting models, Fengyun satellite data, multi-source monitoring products and cloud computing infrastructure into a single early-warning platform. The system offers both standardized menu-style solutions and customized configurations for country-specific disaster risks.

Vylor, Rainbow Crops Partner on AI-Driven Corn Gene Editing

Johnston, Iowa and Ghent, Belgium – September 21, 2026 -- Vylor, the seed and genetics company set to spin off from Corteva on October 1, 2026, has partnered with Belgium's Rainbow Crops to develop climate-resilient corn traits using AI-driven multiplex gene editing.

Rainbow Crops' Trait Foundry platform edits hundreds of genes simultaneously

The collaboration will deploy Rainbow Crops' AI-supported Trait Foundry™ technology, which combines multiplex genome editing, precision breeding and automated phenotyping to accelerate development of corn hybrids resistant to heat, drought and flooding. Mat Muller, who will lead Vylor Edge, Vylor's investment arm, said the platform allows scientists to make hundreds of gene edits simultaneously while validating performance through phenotyping facilities and field trials.

Morton Arboretum Wins Chicago 2050 Urban Design Competition

Lisle, Ill. – September 18, 2026 -- The Morton Arboretum's "Green City Rising: People and Trees Thriving Together" concept was named a co-winner of the Horizon Lines: Visions for Chicago 2050 competition, World Business Chicago announced Sept. 15 at the City Club of Chicago.

Arboretum plan beat nearly 200 submissions to reach six finalists

"Green City Rising" reimagines Chicago as a connected network of tree-centric green spaces designed to give every neighborhood a healthy tree canopy by 2050. Landscape architecture firm MKSK was named the other co-winner for its "Wonderways!" proposal to convert Chicago's boulevards into a network of climate commons.