|
|
 |
The Role of Organic Agriculture in Mitigating Climate Change |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 01, 2004
There is dramatic evidence that various Greenhouse Gases are responsible for Global Warming and climate change. It is also clear that the most important solution to Global Warming is the dramatic reduction of fossil fuel use, and that other strategies shall not be an excuse to continue with business as usual. A study commissioned by IFOAM discusses the potential of Organic Agriculture both to avoid and to sequester Greenhouse Gases (GHG), and makes comparisons with conventional agriculture. The second part describes how Organic Agriculture can be considered within the implementation mechanisms of the Kyoto Protocol. The study shows that organic agriculture can play a role both for reducing GHG emissions and to sequester carbon. |
|
|
|
|
|
Organic Agriculture could contribute significantly to reduce GHG
releases and to sequester carbon in soils and biomass. There is
sufficient evidence that Organic Agriculture is superior to mainstream
agriculture. This is even more important as the capacity of Organic
Agriculture to contribute to the mitigation of climate change can be
considered as an ancillary benefit to its primary goal of sustainable
land use. This primary goal is achieved by gains in soil productivity,
consecutive food security, biodiversity conservation and many other
benefits.
As opposed to the focus of conservation agriculture on a single
technology, Organic Agriculture follows a site-specific and systematic
approach that includes a comprehensive set of integrated technologies.
Because of the inspection and certification systems required in Organic
Agriculture, monitoring and evaluation of carbon sequestration is
simplified and cost-effective in comparison to conventional
agricultural practices.
Policymakers should recognize the potential of organic farming for GHG
reduction and develop appropriate programs for using this potential.
Such programs may look into the emission reduction potential, in the
sequestration potential, in the possibility for organically grown
biomass, or in combinations of all the aspects. This is as relevant in
developed countries as in developing countries.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
