Chapter 2: Climate Change and Agriculture

Agriculture is a sector highly dependent on climate, and thus it will experience multiple impacts from climate change. In contrast, agriculture is also one of the main contributors of climate change, emitting greenhouse gases, mainly related to land use, fertiliser application and livestock production. Higher temperature and atmospheric CO₂ concentration, changes in precipitation patterns and more frequent extreme weather events are expected to have a negative impact on crop productivity, water and soil resources. Coordinated mitigation and adaptation practices have to be a worldwide priority in order to maintain productivity levels and food production.