Climate change and agriculture: Carbon footprint estimation for agricultural products and labeling for emissions mitigation. Carbon footprint estimation for agricultural products and labeling for emissions mitigation

Abstract

At a global scale, agriculture accounts for 20% of the anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions (GHGEs). The main sources of agricultural GHGEs are fuel use, land use change, soil cultivation, and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, whereas animal waste and enteric fermentation are the most important GHGEs from animal husbandry. Carbon footprint (CF; CO2-equivalent kg−1 of product) determination through life cycle analysis (LCA) enables the quantification of the contribution of different methods of production to GHGEs. It allows for a comparison of CF among different products, as well as production optimization that typically results in production costs reduction. Research results highlight that the CF of agricultural products can be reduced through lowering inputs (e.g., fertilizers, fuel) for production, using varieties well adapted to the local environment, increasing carbon storage in soil, and minimizing transportation distance to the markets. Changing from intensive (high-input) to low-input agriculture reduces emissions. However, research should be conducted to explore if low-input agriculture maintains productivity at the required levels to feed an increasing global population.