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Agriculture and Climate Change

  • Draft Report

Ajiro Ndi, AN017, 2024

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Greenhouse Gas Emissions

  • global warming is a consequence of greenhouse gas emissions
  • heat from the sun is trapped as gases build up in the atmosphere
  • emissions have increased by 40% since 1990
  • over 50 billion tonnes of greenhouse gas are emitted each year
  • emissions come from a range of industry sectors and processes
  • agriculture is a major contributor of greenhouse gases

Ajiro Ndi, AN017, 2024

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Industry sources

  • the primary source of greenhouse gas emissions is electricity and heat production - responsible for 37% worldwide
  • agriculture is the second largest cause - responsible for 22% of global emissions
  • 10 countries produce more than 68% of emissions

Ajiro Ndi, AN017, 2024

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Consequences of global warming

  • increased frequency of extreme weather events including:
    • torrential rains
    • floods
    • heatwaves
    • droughts
    • storms
  • average temperatures predicted to rise by 1.5ºC by 2050
  • global sea levels rise as glaciers retreat and ice sheets melt
  • more land at risk of coastal flooding

Ajiro Ndi, AN017, 2024

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Effects on agriculture

  • higher CO2 levels affect crop yields and nutritional value
  • extreme temperatures can prevent crops from growing
  • torrential rains, floods and droughts can harm crops and reduce yields
  • rising sea levels may result in loss of agricultural land
  • increased migration of invasive pests that damage crops
  • global crop yields could decline by up to 30% by 2050

Ajiro Ndi, AN017, 2024

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Challenges ahead

  • greenhouse gases now far exceed safe levels
  • extreme weather events will impact crop production
  • natural resources need to be protected
  • more resilient crop varieties are needed
  • protecting carbon sinks is essential for keeping the climate stable
  • food insecurity set to become a global issue
  • the world will need to produce 70% more food by 2050 to feed an estimated 9 billion people

Ajiro Ndi, AN017, 2024

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