Unlocking the Potential: Agriculture’s Crucial Role in Climate Action

Nadia Nawaz

Anthropogenic climate change is driven by various climate pollutants, with CO2, CH4, and N2O being the primary contributors to global warming (Myhre et al., 2013). While agriculture and food production are linked to all three gases, direct agricultural emissions are unique in their dominance of CH4 and N2O.

The global food system accounts for approximately 21–37% of annual emissions , typically measured using the 100-year Global Warming Potential. However, the composition of gases emitted by the food system differs from the overall global emissions balance. Agricultural activities, for instance, produce about half of all anthropogenic methane emissions and roughly three-quarters of anthropogenic N2O .

Quantifying food system CO2 emissions is challenging due to distinct generation processes and difficulties in applying uniform accounting methods. Although a small portion of CO2 emissions directly stems from agricultural production, such as urea and lime application, it represents a negligible fraction of total CO2 emissions. CO2 emissions from energy use in agricultural operations or embedded in inputs (e.g., fertilizer manufacturing and transport) are uncertain and are typically considered within the IPCC accounting framework as energy or transport emissions. The primary means of reducing these emissions lie in the broader decarbonization of energy generation rather than specific agricultural measures.

Moreover, the food system plays a pivotal role in land-use change CO2 emissions, mainly from clearing land for crop production or pasture. Net land-use-related CO2 emissions account for approximately 14% of annual anthropogenic CO2 , with 10% directly linked to agriculture .

In summary, agriculture and the global food system significantly contribute to global greenhouse gas emissions, particularly CH4 and N2O, and to a lesser extent, CO2, depending on whether energy or land-use-related emissions are considered. To comprehend the climate impacts of agriculture in comparison to other sectors, it is essential to understand the distinct effects of these three greenhouse gases.

In the face of the alarming reality of 2023 being confirmed as the warmest year on record, experts emphasize the pivotal role of agriculture in mitigating climate change while ensuring global food security. Kaveh Zahedi, Director of the Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity, and Environment at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), urges attention to the implications of these record temperatures. Beyond the data, the consequences manifest in the increased frequency of extreme weather events, forest fires, droughts, and floods, particularly impacting frontline communities like agriculture. The urgency lies in acknowledging that these records matter.

While agrifood systems are responsible for approximately one-third of greenhouse gas emissions, that they also present a vast potential for positive climate action. Farms, can transcend their role as mere food producers; they can become hubs for renewable energy generation. This energy can power various on-farm operations such as greenhouses, water pumping, and irrigation. Additionally, surplus energy can be integrated into the grid. Moreover, the utilization of agricultural waste to produce fuels and biofuels represents a significant step towards energy-smart agriculture.

Global Commitment: A Historic Deal for Climate Resilience

In a groundbreaking development at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai, nations committed to steering the global economy away from fossil fuels. The summit’s Declaration on Agriculture, Food, & Climate garnered support from 137 countries, with a substantial $3.5 billion allocated to replenish the Green Climate Fund. Almost $1.5 billion of these funds have already been accessed, contributing to actionable solutions that promote sustainable land and sea management. This investment has led to the sustainable management of over 100 million hectares of land, resulting in a remarkable reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by over 500 million tonnes and creating tangible benefits in terms of green jobs and livelihoods.

Closing the Gap: A Global Call to Drastically Reduce Emissions

As highlighted in the 2023 edition of the Emissions Gap Report preceding COP28, the world faces a critical challenge. To limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, nations must collectively reduce emissions by 42 percent by 2030. This underscores the imperative for immediate and concerted efforts to transition towards sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices.