Carbon farming: Practices and challenges

Abstract

Agriculture and climate change are interconnected, each profoundly influencing the other as agriculture is both a contributor and victim of climate change. To attain carbon neutrality, we have to shift our focus from carbon dioxide emissions towards carbon dioxide removal (CDR) from the atmosphere. Even CDR is an integral part of IPCC scenarios that aim to limit global warming to 1.5°C relative to pre-industrial levels. Compared to natural forests, carbon is lost much more from our cultivated lands because crops are harvested every year, soil is tilled annually, and faulty agricultural practices are employed. Hence, to attain carbon neutrality, we should adopt a novel approach known as carbon farming.