# Can improved agricultural practices help combat climate change?

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/05/can-improved-agricultural-practices-help-combat-climate-change/
- Published: 2019-05-05T20:05:00-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

**_Did you know that over half of global non-carbon dioxide (non-CO2) greenhouse
gas (GHG) emissions are accountable to agriculture? So GHG mitigation is the next
step!_**

According to new a research study recently published in the Journal of Integrative
Environmental Sciences, this figure set to rise substantially in the next two decades.
That’s especially in developing countries. However, by analysing US Environmental
Protection Agency (USEPA) data and models, the authors have projected that there
is significant potential for the agricultural sector to offer relatively low-cost
opportunities for reducing [GHG emissions](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/03/fast-facts-about-greenhouse-gas-emissions/)
by 2030. Can you hear GHG mitigation?!

[Agricultural emissions](https://greenlivingguy.com/2013/05/agriculture-plus-livestock-remain-greenhouse-gas-emissions-major-sources/)
arise principally from cropland soil management, rice cultivation, ruminant livestock
and livestock manure management. So all of which emit Nitrous Oxide (N2O) and Methane(
CH4). Even though farms and businesses across the agricultural sector interested
in effective global GHG abatement, there limited baseline data. Data on global agricultural
sector emissions on the data development on fossil fuel emissions. One of the reasons
for this is that there are unique challenges to developing agricultural data over
large geographical areas, particularly with different regions and countries employing
diverse farming methods and activities that emit multiple types of GHGs, with potentially
complex interactions.

The authors of this new research paper analyzed data and models from the USEPA’s
updated global non-CO2 GHG mitigation assessment to investigate the potential for
GHG reductions from agricultural emissions from seven regions globally, offsetting
costs against social benefit of GHG mitigation (e.g. human health, flood risk and
energy costs). Various mitigation scenarios analyzed for crop production, rice systems,
livestock management and manure management. For each scenario the authors calculated
the break-even price, taking into account yield levels, commodity prices, labour
requirements and water resources. The authors have also compared baseline emissions
versus mitigation emissions levels to formulate mitigation potential at break-even
prices for 2010, 2020 and 2030.

### 󠀁[⌊GHG mitigation from cows is needed⌉⌊GHG mitigation from cows is needed⌉󠀁[

In conclusion, the results revealed significant potential for GHG mitigation in 
the agriculture sector. All with a projected 13-16% reduction of GHG (or over 520Mt
CO2) per year. Asia in particular offers a lot of opportunity. Opportunity for significant
GHG mitigation. As a result of improved or reformed livestock management. As well
as rice cultivation practices found to offer the greatest reduction. The authors
do however urge caution. Caution due to the potential impact on yield production.
The yield could have implications for regional and global food security.

_Source: [Taylor & Francis Group](https://web.archive.org/web/20180527213956/https://tandfonline.com/)_

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
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