Technological Innovation and Investment: The Key to Achieving Net-Zero Agriculture
New research by Carnegie Staff Associate Lorenzo Rosa and Visiting Scholar Paolo Gabrielli highlights the need for technological innovation and investment to achieve net-zero agriculture. Currently, farming is responsible for approximately 12% of global greenhouse gas emissions, significantly contributing to climate change. Moreover, agriculture is among the first sectors affected by the consequences of climate change, such as warming, drought, and altered precipitation patterns.
Why is achieving net-zero agriculture a challenge?
In their study titled “Achieving net-zero emissions in agriculture: a review,” Rosa and Gabrielli analyzed various technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in agriculture. The goal was to determine the potential of these tools in achieving net-zero emissions.
One of the main challenges in achieving net-zero agriculture is that agricultural emissions primarily consist of methane and nitrous oxide, both of which have a significantly higher warming potential than carbon dioxide over shorter periods. To address this, agricultural decarbonization strategies rely on adopting carbon-free energy sources.
Agricultural decarbonization strategies rely on using carbon-free energy sources
Rosa and Gabrielli examined multiple strategies, including using alternative energy sources on farms, sustainable fertilizer production, improved fertilizer management, and feeding and breeding techniques to reduce methane emissions from livestock. These strategies necessitate the integration of renewable energy systems into farming operations, as well as the development of sustainable methods for producing fertilizers and pesticides.
Implementing sustainable irrigation practices is also crucial for water sustainability and reducing energy consumption and methane emissions associated with rice cultivation.
The technology could help farmers lower agricultural greenhouse gas emissions by 45%
The researchers found that technology has the potential to help farmers reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 45%. However, achieving net-zero agriculture requires implementing expensive carbon dioxide removal strategies that are currently not widely deployed.
Promising approaches include the combination of sustainably produced bioenergy and techniques that capture emissions from these energy sources. Additionally, accelerating the natural process of rock erosion, which removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, holds promise.
The study also explores innovative technologies that extend beyond traditional agriculture, such as methane removal and farm-free production of certain foods. However, further research is needed to make these tactics affordable, scalable and to assess their broader impacts.
The Future of net-zero agriculture
Rosa and Gabrielli emphasize that achieving net-zero agriculture requires an interdisciplinary effort involving plant science, hydrology, engineering, economics, and political science. By implementing sustainable agricultural practices, it is possible to improve energy security, address water scarcity, and mitigate biodiversity loss.
As the world faces increasing challenges in producing enough food for a growing population amidst rising temperatures, it is imperative to adopt novel approaches that consider climate mitigation.
Read more: Developing Organic Nitrogen Fertilizer to Improve Farming Production.
