Keeling Curve

Project Summary / Description:

The proposed project is a controlled environmental agriculture training, research and exhibition center at Clark Atlanta University (CAU), an HBCU (Historically Black College & University) that was the nation‚ first graduate school for African Americans. ¬†It would include indoor and greenhouse models of hydroponics, aquaponics, aeroponics and vertical farming. 

We plan to develop the idea with a shipping container farm and 2,500 square foot greenhouse on a parcel of land on the CAU campus. ¬†This initial phase allows the university to gain experience on a small scale with an eye towards opening up larger parcels of land for expansion. 

We are motivated by:
1. The potential of indoor agriculture as a climate-smart agriculture strategy to secure sustainable food security under climate change
2. Interdisciplinary research and student engagement with computer sciences, biology, engineering and business 
3. Opportunities for workforce, youth and entrepreneurial development 
4. That there are currently no places in the southeastern U.S. to learn and train with variety of indoor agricultural systems and technologies. ¬†

Three reasons necessitate this project:
1. With no geographical boundaries limiting its growth, migration from northern states and Florida due to climate challenges will balloon the metro Atlanta population from 5.5 million (2017) to 8 million by 2040. ‚Ä®
2. Georgia is one of the most abundant, agriculturally-rich states though produces less than one percent of the leafy green lettuces its citizens and visitors it consumes. Many speciality crops are imported from Latin America and California. ‚Ä®
3. City of Atlanta ranks as one of the worst major metropolitan cities for food access to its citizens. Mostly underserved communities, USDA-defined food deserts make up 38.6% of the city

Best Estimate of GHG Avoidance/Reduction of This Project (Tonnes CO2 Equivalent/Year):

Mission Statement:

The mission of Clark Atlanta University is to provide the highest quality of education and training for a student body which is predominantly African American but which is becoming increasingly diversified by students from other racial, ethnic, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. This mission commits the institution to the shaping of graduates who are productive, creative, socially and economically responsible citizens in a dynamic global society and who are themselves committed to the search for solutions to the problems of racism, sexism, age discrimination, economic deprivation and other forms of oppression. The three functions of the University - - teaching, research and service - - - are all to focus strongly on the attainment of a society - - - American, Third World and global - - - which is responsive to human needs of all of its citizens.

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