Introduction

Decarbonisation refers to the process of reducing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate climate change. The agriculture, forestry, and fishing (AFF) sector is a significant contributor to global carbon emissions, accounting for about 25% of total emissions. Therefore, decarbonising this sector is crucial for achieving global climate goals. This article explores the importance of decarbonisation in the AFF sector, the main sources of carbon emissions, ways to reduce emissions, challenges facing decarbonisation, and the implications of decarbonisation for the sector.

Importance of Decarbonisation in AFF Sector

The AFF sector is essential for food security, livelihoods, and economic development, but it also contributes to climate change. Decarbonisation in the AFF sector is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, reducing emissions from the sector can contribute to global climate goals, such as limiting global warming to below 2°C or even 1.5°C. Secondly, decarbonisation can improve the sustainability and resilience of the sector by reducing its vulnerability to climate change impacts, such as droughts, floods, and pests. Thirdly, decarbonisation can create new economic opportunities, such as renewable energy, carbon sequestration, and sustainable agriculture.

Main Sources of Carbon Emissions in AFF Sector

The AFF sector emits carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases through various activities, such as land-use change, livestock production, crop cultivation, and fishing. The main sources of carbon emissions in the AFF sector are:

1. Land-use change: The conversion of forests, grasslands, and wetlands into croplands, pastures, or urban areas releases carbon stored in vegetation and soil. Deforestation and forest degradation account for about 11% of global carbon emissions.
2. Livestock production: The digestion process of ruminants (cows, sheep, and goats) produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to about 16% of global emissions. Manure management and feed production also emit methane and nitrous oxide.
3. Crop cultivation: The use of fertilisers, pesticides, and machinery in crop production emits carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide. The burning of crop residues and peatlands also releases carbon dioxide.
4. Fishing: The use of fuel in fishing vessels emits carbon dioxide, and the discarding of unwanted catch releases methane and nitrous oxide.

Reducing Carbon Emissions in AFF Sector

Reducing carbon emissions in the AFF sector requires a combination of mitigation and adaptation measures. Mitigation measures aim to reduce emissions, while adaptation measures aim to increase the resilience of the sector to climate change impacts. The following are some ways to reduce carbon emissions in the AFF sector:

1. Sustainable land-use practices: Avoiding deforestation, promoting reforestation and afforestation, and improving soil management can sequester carbon and reduce emissions.
2. Sustainable livestock management: Improving feed quality, reducing herd size, and using manure for energy production can reduce methane emissions.
3. Sustainable crop production: Using organic fertilisers, reducing tillage, and improving water management can reduce emissions from crop production.
4. Sustainable fishing practices: Using fuel-efficient engines, reducing discards, and promoting sustainable fishing practices can reduce emissions from fishing.

Challenges Facing Decarbonisation in AFF Sector

Decarbonising the AFF sector faces several challenges, such as:

1. Limited funding: The AFF sector receives less funding for climate change mitigation and adaptation compared to other sectors, such as energy and transport.
2. Lack of awareness: Many farmers, foresters, and fishers are not aware of the climate change impacts on their livelihoods and the benefits of decarbonisation.
3. Limited technical capacity: Many small-scale farmers, foresters, and fishers lack the technical knowledge and skills to adopt sustainable practices.
4. Policy and institutional barriers: Many policies and institutions do not support sustainable practices or provide incentives for decarbonisation.

Implications of Decarbonisation for AFF Sector

Decarbonisation in the AFF sector has several implications, such as:

1. New economic opportunities: Decarbonisation can create new economic opportunities, such as renewable energy, carbon credits, and sustainable agriculture.
2. Improved sustainability and resilience: Decarbonisation can improve the sustainability and resilience of the sector by reducing its vulnerability to climate change impacts.
3. Enhanced food security: Decarbonisation can enhance food security by promoting sustainable agriculture and reducing the risks of crop failures and food price volatility.
4. Improved health and well-being: Decarbonisation can improve the health and well-being of farmers, foresters, and fishers by reducing exposure to air and water pollution and promoting sustainable livelihoods.

Conclusion

Decarbonisation in the AFF sector is crucial for achieving global climate goals, improving sustainability and resilience, and creating new economic opportunities. The main sources of carbon emissions in the AFF sector are land-use change, livestock production, crop cultivation, and fishing. Reducing carbon emissions in the AFF sector requires sustainable land-use practices, sustainable livestock management, sustainable crop production, and sustainable fishing practices. However, decarbonising the AFF sector faces several challenges, such as limited funding, lack of awareness, limited technical capacity, and policy and institutional barriers. Decarbonisation in the AFF sector has several implications, such as new economic opportunities, improved sustainability and resilience, enhanced food security, and improved health and well-being.