Reducing Global Warming: The Potential of Organic Agriculture

摘要: For a successful outcome at COP 15 in Copenhagen December, viable policy paths for effective climate change mitigation need to be provided. In addition, adaptation is unavoidable. One key point the integration of agriculture (accounting 10-12% global emissions, Smith et al. 2007) post-2012 agreement. Its main potential lies its significant capacity sequester CO2 soils, and synergies between adaptation. This best utilized employing sustainable agricultural practices such as organic (OA). Conservative estimates total OA amount 4.5-6.5 Gt CO2eq/yr (of ca. 50 CO2eq greenhouse gas emissions). Depending on management practices, much higher amounts seem however possible. Organic complements emission reduction efforts with major sequestration potential, which based intensive humus production (requiring CO2) fertile soils. comparison conventional agriculture, also directly contributes reductions it emits less N2O from nitrogen application (due lower input), CH4 biomass waste burning (as avoided), requires energy, mainly due zero chemical fertilizer use. exert positive influence. part increased soil quality, reduces vulnerability drought periods, extreme precipitation events waterlogging. high diversity crops farming activities together input costs, reduce economic risks. has additional benefits beyond direct relevance variability, helps increase food security water protection. In following, points are briefly listed, references detailed information. The data refer annual shift practices.