Sustainable Agriculture

• Crop yields may reduce up to 25% due to rising temperature threats of around 3-4℃ over preindustrial levels.
• Around 50% of insects will see range changes by 2100, affecting pollination and spreading disease vectors.
• Models predict up to 80 million people could at risk for new climate-related hunger by 2050
• Crop damages of up to 95% can be caused by exacerbated droughts as an effect of climate change

• Global food systems are responsible for up to 37% of annual greenhouse gas emissions.
• Clearing land for crop production or pasture is the main cause of ongoing land-use change CO2 emissions. 
• Approximately 60% of nitrogen used in fertilizing farms is returned to nearby water bodies and the atmosphere. 
• Livestock are responsible for 14.5% of greenhouse gas emissions globally.

• Transition to biofertilizers and natural composts to reduce nitrogen waste emissions
• Slowing tillage and soil-turning to promote microbial growth and decrease erosion of both soil and fertilizing nutrients
• Polycropping and crop rotation practices to promote biodiversity for farms of all sizes
• Natural, sustainable solutions for control of pests and weeds that avoid toxic or polluting chemicals
• Efficient harvest of rainwater and greywater for recycling to ease exhausted freshwater sources and promote circular growth

Agriculture and the environmental detriments that come along with it are both growing and being newly realized every day. This will effect the daily lives of everyone around the world. Rising temperatures and uncontrollable emissions cause damages to crop yields and the environment. Since we all share the love of food, the Global Climate Pledge rallies farmers, and anybody who eats, behind meaningful climate action.