From increased emissions of potent gases to destruction of natural habitats, the industrialization of agriculture has been shown to significantly contribute to global warming. Farming activities are not just an integral part of many countries’ economies, but their environmental effects also contribute to temperatures rising throughout the world. In this op-ed, I assess the implications of farming practices and their effects on global warming.
Let us start with an important fact: farming activities are responsible for up to 25% of global greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). This includes of about 60% of agricultural methane and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, which are potent drivers of climate change. As per the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the intensification of food production and the increase in agricultural land management have led to an overall increase in global GHG emissions. This in turn has aggravated global temperature rise and instability in the climate.
A major factor driving global warming is the burning of fossil fuels for energy. The growing use of machinery in farming, such as tractors and combines, contributes to this. The combustion of oil and other petrochemicals is an unavoidable part of this process, which releases large amounts of GHG into the atmosphere. These emissions are a major source of global warming, and their effects are felt beyond the farm boundaries, resulting in a global phenomenon.
In addition to the emissions released directly through burning oil and gas, farming practices also create a considerable amount of GHG emissions. Farming systems that rely heavily on chemical fertilizers and synthetic pesticides, for example, emit considerable amounts of nitrous oxide (N2O) into the atmosphere. This chemical is one of the most potent GHG and is linked to climate destabilization.
Moreover, much of the land used for agriculture is deforested. This can lead to further global warming because trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which would otherwise contribute to GHG accumulation. Deforestation also decreases biodiversity, which further exacerbates the climate crisis.
Despite the negative effects of farming on global warming, it is important to note that agricultural practices can also help to reduce emissions. For example, improving crop yields and livestock production can reduce the amount of land used, leading to fewer emissions. In addition, the use of organic or natural fertilizers can significantly reduce nitrous oxide emissions from farms, when compared to the use of chemical fertilizers. And focusing on conservation agriculture can also help to reduce soil erosion, which in turn reduces the release of methane.
At the same time, agricultural practices can be an effective way to actively store carbon in the soil. As Microsoft’s Brad Smith puts it, ‘Farms can become part of the solution. Organic and regenerative growing practices — such as using understory plants to keep soil from eroding and agroforestry to bring back the carbon stored in the trees — can play an essential role in fighting the climate crisis.’
Given the importance of agriculture in the economy, it is clear that the climate crisis cannot be addressed without considering global farming practices. It is therefore essential that policymakers take into account the effect of farming activities on global warming, and that incentives be given to farmers to adopt greener practices. With political will, it is possible to both protect the environment and guarantee food security.
