One of the major risks facing our planet is global warming. Farming has been identified as a leading cause for the steady increase in global average temperature. But to what extent does agricultural activity comprise of this growing concern? Can agricultural practices be leveraged to mitigate this detrimental effect?
Firstly, it?s important to acknowledge the role of carbon emissions within global warming. As much as 36 percent of global emissions come from the burning of fossil fuels, out of which 25 percent is emitted from transportation. The vast majority of the remaining emissions is attributed to various agricultural practices, such as fertilizer use, rice production, livestock rearing, and land-clearing. Additionally, farming indirectly contributes to global warming via deforestation, which adds an extra 2 percent to the total.
In order to reduce its environmental impact, the agricultural industry must implement several strategies. The use of smart equipment and low-emission fuels could drastically reduce the levels of carbon dioxide emitted by mechanized farming.
Organic farming is another potential means of minimizing global warming. By re-focusing agricultural practices on efficiency, while avoiding the use of algicides, pesticides, and non-organic fertilizers, elevated levels of carbon dioxide can be lowered. This shift towards organic methods could also introduce a fair amount of diversity to the existing marketplace.
However, it’s important to realize that there are some aspects of global warming that are beyond the control of the agricultural industry. In certain respects, international climate policies have a much larger impact on global temperatures than farming practices. For instance, the inadequate implementation of emissions control and renewable energy standards may have a major negative impact on global warming
To sum up, farming does induce a certain degree of global warming. The industry can, however, cut down on its environmental footprint by making use of organic farming, cutting-edge equipment, and low-emission fuels. Ultimately, it’s essential to apply pressure to government officials so that they can effectively implement policies which target climate change and global warming.
From the varying perspectives discussed, it has become clearer that agricultural practices may contribute to global warming, but they are not solely responsible. By combining innovative strategies with climate policies, governments can work together to dramatically reduce the effect of global warming.
