2021-10-31-国际可持续发展研究所-农业的未来_加拿大大草原上的农业和气候变化（英）_116页_6mb

Summary of "Farming the Future: Agriculture and climate change on the Canadian Prairies"

Overview

The report examines the intricate relationship between agriculture and climate change on the Canadian Prairies, emphasizing the need for integrated solutions that enhance resilience while reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Drawing on historical context, climate projections, emission data, and policy analysis, it identifies pathways for adaptive and mitigative actions by farmers, policymakers, and industries.

Key Challenges

• Climate Change Impacts: The Prairies face increasing risks from extreme weather events, shifting precipitation patterns, and rising temperatures, threatening crop yields, livestock production, and farmer livelihoods.
• Agricultural Emissions: Agriculture contributes significantly to GHG emissions through practices like fertilizer use, livestock management, and energy consumption, with emissions growing despite some improvements.
• Socioeconomic Factors: Aging farmer demographics, financial pressures, and limited public support services create barriers to adopting sustainable practices.
• Policy Gaps: Inconsistent federal and provincial targets, insufficient funding, and fragmented programs hinder effective climate action in the sector.

Opportunities and Solutions

• Adaptation Practices: Farmers can reduce climate vulnerability through BMPs such as no-till agriculture, cover cropping, water management, and diversifying crops and livestock.
• Mitigation Potential: Implementing agroecological approaches, reducing nitrogen fertilizer use, improving manure management, and adopting renewable energy can lower emissions while offering co-benefits for biodiversity and farm economics.
• Agroecology: A holistic framework applying ecological principles to farming can support sustainable food systems, integrating environmental stewardship with productivity.

Recommendations

• For Policymakers: Establish clear emissions targets, reinstate funding for extension services, incentivize BMPs through programs like crop insurance discounts, and ensure climate considerations integrate with trade and food policies.
• For Industry: Invest in low-emission equipment, develop sustainable supply chains, and support research on climate-friendly practices.
• For Farmers and Communities: Adopt climate-resilient farming techniques, engage in farmer-to-farmer knowledge sharing, and leverage community programs like ALUS for ecosystem services.
• Cross-Sector Collaboration: Foster partnerships with Indigenous communities, NGOs, and research institutions to build inclusive, equitable strategies for adaptation.