This brief identifies abatement measures for the agriculture sector further to those in the first Report on Proposals and Policies (RPP1). Through an initial quantification the brief also ranks these measures in terms of how likely they may be to be included in the time horizon of the second Report on Proposals and Policies (RPP2).
The report analyses the maximum technical potential abatement that could be achieved from these measures, and does not take account of real-world constraints which mean that these theoretical abatement levels are unlikely to be achievable in practice.
The interest in identifying this extra potential arose from the challenge of achieving Scotland’s emissions reductions aims for the time horizon of RPP2.
ClimateXChange produced this brief early in the preparation of the second Report on Proposals and Policies. Its purpose was to help frame questions and lines of enquiry and as a result, did not fully take account of real-world constraints (economic, political, social, institutional) that mean that these theoretical abatement levels are unlikely to be achievable in practice. ClimateXChange produced these reports in early 2012, and some of the figures presented may have since been updated.
ClimateXChange was asked by the Scottish Government to produce a summary of research contributing to adaptation to climate change in the agricultural sector in Scotland, focusing on crops and livestock production.
The report is being used by the Scottish Government to help prepare the section on agriculture for the first statutory Adaptation Programme.
Precision farming is a relatively new management practice made possible by information technology and remote sensing. New technologies provide more precise information about the managed resources while allowing the farmer to respond to in-field variations.
This brief looks at how introducing Precision Farming can have financial and environmental benefits.
ClimateXChange produced this brief early in the preparation of the second Report on Proposals and Policies. Its purpose was to help frame questions and lines of enquiry and as a result, did not fully take account of real-world constraints (economic, political, social, institutional) that mean that these theoretical abatement levels are unlikely to be achievable in practice.
ClimateXChange produced these reports in early 2012, and some of the figures presented may have since been updated.
Marine Scotland asked ClimateXChange to provide a short brief about Blue Carbon. Blue Carbon refers to the ability of coastal ecosystems, including sea grasses and kelp, to absorb and store carbon – in the same way as forests do on land.
The enquiry asked for a brief covering:
- the current scientific knowledge in Scotland or the rest of the UK (including any on-going research);
- the scientific possibility on any action that could be taken.
ClimateXChange commissioned the brief from The Scottish Association for Marine Science. It has given officials the background they need to consider this emerging issue.
This project reviewed barley and potato as crops, paying particular attention to resilience traits in order to assess strengths and weaknesses in relation to food security. We assessed production, distribution, trade and uses worldwide, and investigated supply chain issues for end-users.
Barley and potato are two important crops in relation to a growing world population. Compared to other cereals, barley is an inherently resilient crop with great potential for adaptation, not only to climate change, but also for new uses, particularly human food. Potato is a critical crop in terms of food security as more than a billion people worldwide eat potato.
Climate change is likely to affect the stability of barley yield through increased problems with waterlogging in winter and water stress in drier, warmer summers. Management strategies that only focus on maximising yield (potential) can cause over-use or inefficient use of soils – which can lead to instability in future yields.
Through genomics we have got a better understanding of the key genes and mechanisms underlying potato development, physiology, water and nutrient use efficiency and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. This improves our ability to adapt potato plants to withstand multiple pest, pathogens and environmental stresses as a result of climate change. This is critical to potato remaining a major food source.
The assessments were carried out using expert opinion, data from many current and recent research projects including with industry, and extensive literature reviews.
Whether people realise it or not, they receive many benefits from the natural world around them.These benefits from surrounding ecosystems (interaction of plants, animals and natural processes) are known as ecosystem services.
By understanding the interdependence of ecosystem services and attempting to quantify their value, it is possible to understand the balance of positive and negative impacts of a certain policy or management practice. This is fundamental in the ecosystem service approach, which aims to reduce the risk of unforeseen consequences by helping policy makers to make informed decisions whilst considering the full range of potential impacts.