Climate change is an important topic in agronomy, as it affects crop production, soil health, and plant growth.
Greenhouse gases: Refers to gases in the atmosphere that trap heat, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.
Carbon footprint: The total amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced by an individual, entity, or activity.
Climate modeling: The use of computer models to simulate the Earth's climate and project future climate scenarios.
Renewable energy: Energy derived from sources that are replenished naturally, such as solar or wind power.
Weather patterns: The long-term trends and changes in weather, including precipitation levels, temperature, and wind patterns.
Agricultural sustainability: The ability of agriculture to sustainably produce food and fiber without degrading natural resources or contributing to climate change.
Soil health: The ability of soil to support a healthy, productive ecosystem, including carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling.
Deforestation: The cutting down of forests, which can have significant impacts on local and global climate patterns.
Climate adaptation: The ability of ecosystems, communities, and infrastructure to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Industrial agriculture: The use of large-scale, industrial methods of farming that can contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
Livestock and greenhouse gas emissions: The significant contribution of methane emissions from livestock, particularly from intensive farming practices.
Food systems and climate change: The complex interrelationships between food systems and climate change, including changes in crop yields, food insecurity, and migration patterns.
Carbon capture and storage: Technologies that capture and store carbon dioxide emissions from industrial processes or power generation, potentially reducing the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Ocean acidification: The ongoing decrease in the pH of the Earth's oceans, caused by the absorption of carbon dioxide.
Climate finance: Funding mechanisms that support efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change, including investments in renewable energy and green infrastructure.
Emissions trading: A market-based system in which polluters can purchase and sell emissions allowances, potentially incentivizing reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
Biodiversity conservation: The protection and restoration of natural ecosystems, which can play a vital role in carbon sequestration and climate mitigation.
Climate policy: Government policies and regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting climate resilience.
Climate justice: The recognition of the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable populations, and the need for equitable solutions.
Carbon pricing: An economic policy tool that sets a price on carbon emissions, potentially creating incentives for emissions reductions and a transition to cleaner energy sources.
Temperature rise: An increase in the average temperature of the Earth's surface and atmosphere, leading to changes in crop yields, pest and disease incidence, and the onset and duration of growth stages.
Change in precipitation patterns: Causes drought and floods, triggers changes in crop water requirements, leading to water stress in crops and reduced yields.
Atmospheric carbon dioxide increases: Increase in CO₂ levels may enhance photosynthesis initially, however, continuous exposure can lead to a decrease in crop quality and yield.
Extreme weather events: Intense heatwaves, droughts, hurricanes, and flooding lead to crop losses, reduced yield, and disruption of supply chains.
Ocean acidity: Increased carbon dioxide is absorbed by oceans, leading to increased acidity which affects marine and coastal farming and fishing activities.
Soil erosion: Changes in precipitation patterns, melting of permafrost, and land-use change can lead to soil degradation, loss of fertility, and a decrease in crop productivity.
Pest and diseases invasion: Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns can create favorable conditions for pest and disease outbreaks, leading to crop losses and reduction in yield.
Loss of biodiversity: Climate change impacts natural ecosystems, leading to the loss of plant and animal species and microorganisms beneficial to agricultural production.
Glacier melting: Melting glaciers can impact water supply for irrigation, create waterlogging, and salinity, leading to soil degradation, loss of crops or yields.
Land-use changes: Land-use change is driven by climate change, and changes in land cover and land use can lead to changes in vegetation, loss of habitat for wildlife, and reduced agricultural productivity.