Climate Change and Agriculture

Sometimes not even a day much less a week goes by that the changing climate makes the news. According to the US EPA, agriculture and forestry together account for about 10% of the greenhouse emissions in the US; while transportation and industry account for about 60%.

Although contributions from agriculture seem small the concern comes its contributions in the form of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O). When these two potent greenhouse gases are converted to carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalents it becomes evident why there is concern and opportunity for agriculture to both reduce their contributions and be part of the solution.

Research and science are showing that agriculture has the ability to remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and even sequester carbon in the soil as organic matter. Green plants remove CO2 from the atmosphere through a process we learned about in grade school- photosynthesis.

Additionally, there are six strategies for Northeast farmers to consider reducing the severity of future climate impacts which include extreme rainfall, heat stress, changing disease and insect pressure and ever changing weather patterns. These strategies are focusing on soil health; efficiently managing water resources and risks; using integrated pest management; diversifying farm enterprises; reducing livestock stress from temperature extremes and actively engaging in farm planning and adaptive management. More information can be found about these strategies can be found at:  Climate Smart Farming in the Northeast: Six Key Strategies for Farmers

Information from: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County

Climate change is a complex subject affecting a wide range of people and communities. Our Agriculture Department often responds to calls with questions such as, “How will climate change affect my crops and livestock?” and “What can be done about it?”. In response, CCE Ulster has partnered with the Cornell University Climate Smart Farming Program to bring the latest science-based research to Hudson Valley residents. Featured in this video is Dr. Jennifer Phillips who is a professor of science at the Bard Center for Environmental Policy and teaches in the MS in Climate Science and Policy degree program. Phillips owns and operates a sustainable livestock operation in Clermont, NY, and teaches a tutorial to Bard undergraduates on livestock farming and sustainable agriculture. Professor Phillips holds a B.S. from Hunter College and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Soil, Crop, and Atmosphere Science from Cornell University. Carbon Capure & Sequestration Management of soil carbon can increase the amount of carbon in soil organic matter, which reduces carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere and improves soil health. Soil carbon benefits soil health by improving water retention, reducing erosion, and increasing biological activity. Increasing the amount of carbon stored in soils has both agricultural and environmental benefits such as higher yields and lower CO2 emissions. Reducing CO2 emissions is important for mitigating the extent and impacts of climate change.

 

About this video: Climate change is a complex subject affecting a wide range of people and communities. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County’s (CCE Ulster) Agriculture Department often responds to calls with questions such as, “How will climate change affect my crops and livestock?” and “What can be done about it?”. In response, CCE Ulster is partnering with the Cornell University Climate Smart Farming Program to bring the latest science-based research to Hudson Valley residents.

Featured in this video is Dr. Jennifer Phillips who is a professor of science at the Bard Center for Environmental Policy and teaches in the MS in Climate Science and Policy degree program. Phillips owns and operates a sustainable livestock operation in Clermont, NY, and teaches a tutorial to Bard undergraduates on livestock farming and sustainable agriculture. Professor Phillips holds a B.S. from Hunter College and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Soil, Crop, and Atmosphere Science from Cornell University.

Last updated February 9, 2022