Major challenges facing by humanity in this century
The two most important issues facing humanity in the 21st century are climate change and food insecurity.
Some of the ongoing effects of climate change, such as heat waves, flash floods, droughts, and cyclones, are negatively influencing lives and livelihoods.
The world’s southern continents are reportedly experiencing severe drought due to climate change.
Which negatively impacts agricultural production and farmers’ livelihoods.
Both population expansion and dietary changes are contributing to an increase in the demand for food.
As a result of climate change, traditional farming practices are becoming less productive.
Climate change is increasing the dangers faced by farmers, prompting them to re-evaluate their practices.
Farmers are taking a variety of adaptation measures to reduce the negative effects of climate change.
The need for a holistic strategy is driven by climate change’s dual challenges of adaptation and mitigation, and the pressing need for agricultural production to rise by 60% by 2050 in order to fulfill food demand.
Negative impacts of climate change on agriculture
Climate change is having a significant and negative impact on agriculture around the world.
The rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events associated with climate change are making it more difficult for farmers to grow crops and livestock.
One of the most direct impacts of climate change on agriculture is reduced crop yields.
Rising temperatures and heat stress can damage crops and reduce their yields.
For example, a study by the IPCC found that maize yields are projected to decline by up to 20% in some regions by the end of the century due to climate change.
Climate change is also leading to increased water scarcity in many parts of the world.
This is because rising temperatures are causing more water to evaporate from the ground, and changing precipitation patterns are leading to less rainfall in some areas.
Water scarcity is making it difficult for farmers to irrigate their crops, which is further reducing crop yields.
Climate change is also creating more favorable conditions for pests and diseases that can damage crops.
For example, warmer temperatures and increased humidity are creating more favorable conditions for the spread of fungal diseases.
Climate change is also leading to more frequent and severe extreme weather events, such as floods, droughts, and heat waves.
These events can cause widespread damage to crops and livestock, and they can also disrupt food supply chains.
Climate change is also having a negative impact on livestock production.
Rising temperatures can reduce the quality of pastures and forage, which can lead to reduced livestock productivity.
Additionally, extreme weather events can damage livestock infrastructure and disrupt animal health.
The negative impacts of climate change on agriculture are having a significant impact on food security around the world.
Climate-smart agriculture (CSA)
As a viable option, climate-smart agriculture (CSA) provides a holistic framework.
The Food and Agriculture Organization said in 2019: “Climate-smart agriculture is an approach for transforming food and agriculture systems to support sustainable development and safeguard food security under climate change.
CSA comprises three pillars
(1) Sustainably increase agricultural productivity and incomes.
(2) Adapt and build resilience to climate change.
(3) Remove greenhouse gases emissions.
Dimensions of climate-smart practices include water-smart, weather-smart, energy-smart, and carbon-smart practices.
They improve productivity, deal with land degradation, and improve soil health.
The future impacts of climate change on agricultural productivity could be substantial.
In India, crop yield decline owing to climate change (between 2010 and 2039) could be as high as 9%.
In order to combat climate change and sustainably boost agricultural output and revenue, a radical reform of the agriculture industry is required.
The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals aim to end hunger and enhance environmental management.
CSA’s foundation is in achieving these goals through sustainable agriculture and rural development.
The National Action Plan on Climate Change emphasises the role of climate-resilient agriculture in India’s adaptation measures.
Programmes such as the Soil Health Card Scheme use precision nutrient management to optimise agricultural methods.
Importance of CSA in increasing agricultural output
CSA’s value in minimising and adjusting to the effects of climate change on agriculture is becoming widely acknowledged on a global scale.
These efforts are made in an attempt to create agricultural systems that are both resilient and environmentally friendly.
Improvements in agroforestry, sustainable water management, and precision agriculture are all concrete examples of CSA ideas in action, and they are not limited by any one country.
CSA promotes crop diversification, increases water efficiency, and integrates drought-resistant crop types
CSA’s value in minimising and adjusting to the effects of climate change on agriculture is becoming widely acknowledged on a global scale.
These efforts are made in an attempt to create agricultural systems that are both resilient and environmentally friendly.
Improvements in agroforestry, sustainable water management, and precision agriculture are all concrete examples of CSA ideas in action, and they are not limited by any one country.
CSA promotes crop diversification, increases water efficiency, and integrates drought-resistant crop types,
all of which help lessen the disruptive effects of climate change.
The importance of CSA lies in its ability to increase agricultural output while maintaining ecological stability.
This correlation is not only a desired consequence but rather essential for long-term food security and sustainable resource usage in a warming planet.
The agricultural sector also produces a large amount of GHGs.
The sector’s share in GHG’s emissions in 2018 was 17%.
The Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming by reducing GHG emissions is tied directly to the success of the CSA.
Agroforestry and carbon sequestration are two examples of CSA measures that could help India meet its international obligations and contribute to the global fight against climate change.
Rather than being a rigid set of rules, CSA is more of a flexible concept with a wide range of potential applications.
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