Identifying integrated options for agricultural climate change mitigation
International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management
ISSN: 1756-8692
Article publication date: 13 May 2014
Abstract
Purpose
In order to achieve reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, it is essential that all industry sectors have the appropriate knowledge and tools to contribute. This includes agriculture, which is considered to contribute about a third of emissions globally. This paper reports on one such tool: IMPACCT: Integrated Management oPtions for Agricultural Climate Change miTigation. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
IMPACCT focuses on GHGs, carbon sequestration and associated mitigation options. However, it also attempts to include information on economic and other environmental impacts in order to provide a more holistic perspective. The model identifies mitigation options, likely economic impacts and any synergies and trade-offs with other environmental objectives. The model has been applied on 22 case study farms in seven Member States.
Findings
The tool presents some useful concepts for developing carbon calculators in the future. It has highlighted that calculators need to evolve from simply calculating emissions to identifying cost-effective and integrated emissions reduction options.
Practical implications
IMPACCT has potential to become an effective means of provided targeted guidance, as part of a broader knowledge transfer programme based on an integrated suite of guidance, tools and advice delivered via different media.
Originality/value
IMPACCT is a new model that demonstrates how to take a more integrated approach to mitigating GHGs on farms across Europe. It is a holistic carbon calculator that presents mitigation options in the context other environmental and economic objectives in the search for more sustainable methods of food production.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This work has been funded by the European Commission (DG Environment) as part of a wider research project (Ref. ENV.B.1/ETU/2009/0052). The Commission's support is gratefully acknowledged. The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the funding body.
Citation
Tzilivakis, J., Lewis, K., Green, A. and Warner, D. (2014), "Identifying integrated options for agricultural climate change mitigation", International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management, Vol. 6 No. 2, pp. 192-211. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCCSM-09-2012-0053
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2014, Emerald Group Publishing Limited