Water & carbon - Farming & Climate Change Flashcards
What is agribusiness?
Large-scale, industrial farming operations that often involve monoculture (growing a single crop over a large area) and intensive livestock farming. Responsible for 11% of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2023.
How does agribusiness impact climate change?
- Large-scale monoculture farming often relies on heavy machinery, which burns fossil fuels and emits CO2.
- Intensive livestock farming produces significant amounts of methane (NH4)
- Synthetic fertilisers and pesticides lead to nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions
What is an example of agribusiness?
USA - large-scale corn and soybean farms
What is regenerative agriculture?
Involves farming practices that restore soil health, increase biodiversity, and enhance ecosystem services. E.g. crop rotation and integrating livestock.
How does regenerative agriculture mitigate against climate change?
These practices:
- Improve soil carbon sequestration
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- Enhance resilience to climate change
What are some additional benefits of regenerative agriculture?
- Improves soil fertility
- Increases water retention
What are some issues of regenerative agriculture?
Requires changes in traditional farming practices and may have higher initial costs. Adoption can be slow due to lack of knowledge and resources.
What is land use change?
Involves altering the natural landscape for agricultural purposes, e.g. converting forests into crop plantations.
How does land use change impact climate change?
Deforestation reduces the number of trees that can absorb CO2, leading to higher atmospheric CO2 levels. Additionally, the process of clearing land often involves burning vegetation, which releases stored carbon into the atmosphere. Land use change can also disrupt soil carbon storage, releasing CO2 and other greenhouse gases.
What is an example of land use change?
Between 2001 and 2019 24 million hectares of the Amazon rainforest were cleared for farming, e.g. cattle ranching and soybean.
What is agroforestry?
Integrates trees and shrubs into crop land, combining agriculture and forestry.
How does agroforestry mitigate against climate change?
Trees sequester carbon, reduce soil erosion, and improve microclimates, enhancing crop yields and resilience to climate change.
What are some additional benefits of agroforestry?
Provides additional income from timber, fruits, and other tree products. Enhances biodiversity and soil health.
What are some issues of agroforestry?
Requires long-term planning and investment. Trees take time to mature.
What is fertiliser use?
Chemical or organic substances used to enhance plant growth. Nitrogen-based fertilisers are used in modern farming.
How does fertiliser use impact climate change?
Manufacturing fertilisers requires energy, often from fossil fuels, leading to CO2 emissions; When used fertilisers can release N2O through soil microbial processes. N2O is a greenhouse gas with a global warming potential approximately 300 times that of CO2
What is organic farming?
Doesn’t use chemicals - use natural inputs like compost and manure instead
How does organic farming mitigate against climate change?
Reduces greenhouse gas emissions from fertiliser production and application. Enhances soil carbon sequestration.
What are some additional benefits of organic farming?
- Improves soil health and biodiversity
- Produces healthier food with fewer chemical residues.
What are some issues of organic farming?
Lower yields compared to conventional farming – labour intensive/expensive
