NRN Publishes Strategic Issue Report on Farm Level Actions to Reduce Climate Change Impacts
Climate change will impact significantly on farming in future in terms of actual climatic conditions and the measures which may be implemented to limit the greenhouse gas emissions. Climate change is defined by the EPA as a significant change in climate (e.g. temperature, rain, wind) for an extended period of decades or longer. Climate change can be attributed directly or indirectly to human activity. Climate change can occur as a result of increased emissions of greenhouse gases from human activities. Greenhouse gases are part of the atmosphere (both natural and those resulting from human activity) that absorb and re-emit infrared radiation which contributes to trapping heat. At farm level, there is a lack of knowledge and understanding of the impact that farm practices have on greenhouse gas emissions or on how practices can be changed in order to reduce the negative climatic impacts. In Ireland, the Food Harvest 2020 report has set ambitious targets for increased production/output across all of the main farm enterprises. While the Food Harvest 2020 report takes account of the greenhouse gas and other environmental implications of increased output, it also reflects the reality of conflicting economic and environmental objectives.
This research report was undertaken by a National Rural Network (NRN) working group which explored actions which could be undertaken at farm level. The specific aim of the research was to explore ‘farm level actions to reduce climate change impacts (taking account of the Food Harvest 2020 production targets)’.