“Tomorrow’s climate is today’s challenge.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzjOcOcQ90U

CLIMATE CHANGE AND AGRICULTURE

Issue Controversial

Environmentalists Producers

Environmentalists Go Green!

Produce less waste

Organic

“Water deficiency is one of our biggest climate

problems. If we can fix our soil so that it

conserves more water, the soil will function better, and everyone

will benefit. It’s a win-win situation.”

-- Professor Michelle Wander

Council on Agriculture Science and Technology

Ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions Decreasing rate of land clearing Increasing production of biofuels Decreasing methane emissions Taking CO2 from the atmosphere, using it in

soil

Producers Challenges

Production processes Laws and Regulations Budget

“Yes. Agriculture depends on the climate.

It has to adapt and evolve, meeting the

demands of the climate.”

-- Arica Baer

Production Processes Fertilizers No till vs. cover crops Efficient use of soil

Still being debated Environmentalist

s Pushing for

drastic change Insist many

fertilizers are harmful

Carbon sequestration effects

Producers Adapting slowly

as new technologies become available

Highlight the benefits of fertilizers

Cover crops

Questions?