2018-应对气候变化_遗传资源对粮食和农业的作用（英文版）-4mb

Summary of Coping with Climate Change - The Roles of Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture

Core Content

This document, published by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 2015, explores the critical role of genetic resources in coping with the impacts of climate change on agriculture, forestry, aquaculture, fisheries, and other food systems. It emphasizes that genetic resources are essential for building resilience, adapting to new environmental conditions, and ensuring long-term food security and sustainability.

Main Viewpoints

• Genetic resources are vital for food security and sustainability
  Genetic resources for food and agriculture (GRFA) are key components in maintaining the resilience of production systems. They enable crops, livestock, forest trees, aquatic organisms, invertebrates, and micro-organisms to adapt to changing climatic conditions and provide essential ecosystem services.

• Climate change presents significant challenges to GRFA
  The effects of climate change on GRFA are manifold, including changes in crop distribution, increased livestock stress, ecosystem disruptions, and threats to biodiversity. These changes can reduce productivity and stability in food systems, especially in vulnerable regions.

• Adaptation and mitigation require proactive management of GRFA
  The document highlights the need for timely and adaptive management of genetic resources. This includes identifying, conserving, and utilizing these resources effectively, as well as promoting policies that support their sustainable use.

• An ecosystem approach is essential for climate change response
  Managing food and agricultural systems through an ecosystem approach is crucial. It involves understanding the interactions between different components of the environment and genetic resources, and integrating this knowledge into both national and international climate change strategies.

Key Information

Effects of Climate Change on GRFA

• Plant genetic resources: Climate change is expected to shift the distribution of suitable land areas for crops. Sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean, India, and northern Australia may see losses in crop areas, while the northern U.S., Canada, and Europe may experience gains. Climate change can also reduce crop yields and increase the risk of disease and pests.

• Animal genetic resources: Heat stress reduces animal productivity and fertility, and increases mortality. Water scarcity and unpredictable supplies will further challenge livestock systems. Breeds adapted to harsh environments may become more important as climate conditions change.

• Forest genetic resources: Forest trees may not be able to migrate quickly enough to keep up with climate change, so in situ adaptation is necessary. Genetic diversity is critical for this, and tropical species are expected to face more severe challenges than temperate or boreal ones.

• Aquatic genetic resources: Aquatic organisms are affected by changes in water temperature, oxygen levels, salinity, and acidity. Species that cannot migrate are particularly vulnerable. Aquatic ecosystems are also key carbon sinks and play a major role in climate change mitigation.

• Invertebrate and micro-organism genetic resources: These are often overlooked but play a vital role in soil health, pollination, and biological control. They are also important in the carbon cycle and climate change mitigation. However, their roles and responses to climate change are not well understood.

Roles of GRFA in Coping with Climate Change

• Adaptation and resilience: Genetic diversity allows crops, livestock, and other organisms to adapt to new environmental conditions. This is crucial for maintaining productivity and food security in the face of climate change.

• Sustainable use and conservation: Maintaining genetic diversity through in situ and ex situ conservation is essential. This includes preserving wild relatives of crops and livestock, as well as natural habitats that support invertebrates and micro-organisms.

• Breeding programs and genetic improvement: Breeding programs need to be revised to include species and traits that are well-suited to future climates. This requires long-term planning and the introduction of new varieties and breeds.

• International cooperation: Climate change necessitates greater international exchange of genetic resources. Cooperation is vital to ensure the fair and equitable transfer of these resources and to build resilience across borders.

Recommendations

• Identify, conserve, and use genetic resources
  There is a need to better identify, conserve, and utilize genetic resources to support adaptation and mitigation strategies.

• Promote an integrated and adaptive approach
  Management of genetic resources should be integrated with ecosystem-based approaches, ensuring that they are adapted to the changing climate and used in a sustainable manner.

• Enhance knowledge and research
  More research is needed to understand the effects of climate change on genetic resources, especially for invertebrates, micro-organisms, and aquatic species.

• Support local communities and researchers
  Local communities and researchers play a critical role in improving food production systems. Their efforts should be supported through policies that promote the sustainable use of genetic resources.

Conclusion

The document concludes that genetic resources for food and agriculture are central to addressing the challenges posed by climate change. Ensuring their availability and effective use is key to maintaining food security, promoting sustainability, and supporting the resilience of production systems. The FAO encourages the mainstreaming of genetic resources into climate change adaptation and mitigation planning at all levels.