Climate change in sustainable agriculture and food production – Nature

Report on Sustainable Agricultural Solutions Addressing Climate Change

Introduction

This report highlights research efforts supporting the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, and SDG 15: Life on Land. The focus is on transformative agricultural solutions that respond to the challenges posed by climate change.

Context and Challenges

• Global temperature rise and increased frequency of extreme weather events threaten agricultural productivity.
• There is an urgent need to strengthen resilience in food systems to adapt to climate change.
• Ensuring food security requires maintaining agricultural productivity while optimizing resource efficiency.
• Minimizing environmental impact is essential to sustain ecosystems and biodiversity.

Research Focus Areas

The collection emphasizes original research in the following areas to advance sustainability and climate resilience in agriculture:

1. Climate-Resilient Crops: Developing and promoting crop varieties that can withstand climatic stresses to support SDG 2.
2. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Investigating methods to reduce emissions from agricultural practices to contribute to SDG 12.
3. Efficient Irrigation Techniques: Implementing water-saving technologies to optimize resource use and protect terrestrial ecosystems, aligning with SDG 15.

Conclusion

Advancing research in these key areas is critical for building sustainable food systems that are resilient to climate change. These efforts directly contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by promoting zero hunger, responsible consumption, and the preservation of life on land.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed in the Article

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger – The article emphasizes the need to maintain agricultural productivity and ensure food security in the face of climate change.
2. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – It highlights optimizing resource efficiency and minimizing environmental impact in food systems.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land – The focus on sustainability in agriculture and minimizing environmental impact relates to protecting terrestrial ecosystems.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified in the Article

1. SDG 2 Targets:
   • Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers through sustainable food production systems.
   • Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices to increase productivity and production.
2. SDG 12 Targets:
   • Target 12.2: Achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
   • Target 12.4: Achieve environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle.
3. SDG 15 Targets:
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems.
   • Target 15.3: Combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress

1. Indicators for SDG 2:
   • Indicator 2.3.1: Volume of production per labor unit by classes of farming/pastoral/forestry enterprise size.
   • Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture.
2. Indicators for SDG 12:
   • Indicator 12.2.1: Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP.
   • Indicator 12.4.2: Hazardous waste generated per capita and proportion of hazardous waste treated, by type of treatment.
3. Indicators for SDG 15:
   • Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area.
   • Indicator 15.3.1: Proportion of land that is degraded over total land area.
4. Additional Implied Indicators:
   • Greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture (implied in the discussion of emissions and climate-resilient crops).
   • Efficiency of irrigation techniques (implied as a measure of resource optimization).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: nature.com