Bayer: Why Farming Superpowers Are Critical in the Fight Against Climate Change
The recent report from the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) makes it clear we have reached a critical moment in history. The report estimates average global warming is now at 1.1°C compared to preindustrial records. But how are farmers dealing with climate change? Agriculture is in a unique position to be a key part of the solution.
The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, set a goal of limiting average warming to 1.5°C in the 21st century. In each of the future emissions scenarios outlined in the new report, we will most likely reach average warming of 1.5°C within the next 20 years. Even if we reach net zero emissions by 2050 — the best-case scenario in the report — warming will peak mid-century at 1.6°C. The message is clear: it’s crucial that we take decisive action across the board to face this challenge.
Agriculture is uniquely positioned to be a core part of the solution. Today, agriculture accounts for nearly one quarter of all global greenhouse gas emissions — but farms also have an incredible superpower to bring to this fight: Through photosynthesis, they convert carbon from the air into plant matter and capture carbon in the soil. Through climate-smart tools and practices, farmers can help crops remove even more carbon from the atmosphere while reducing the volume and impact of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions.
In our new comic, see how the combination of crops’ natural superpowers, proven farming techniques, and amazing technology can help fight against climate change.
