A proposed approach to estimate and reduce net greenhouse gas emissions from whole farms

2006 ◽  
Vol 86 (3) ◽  
pp. 401-418 ◽  
Author(s):  
H H Janzen ◽  
D A Angers ◽  
M. Boehm ◽  
M. Bolinder ◽  
R L Desjardins ◽  
...  

Greenhouse gas emissions from farms can be suppressed in two ways: by curtailing the release of these gases (especially N2O and CH4), and by storing more carbon in soils, thereby removing atmospheric CO2. But most practices have multiple interactive effects on emissions throughout a farm. We describe an approach for identifying practices that best reduce net, whole-farm emissions. We propose to develop a “Virtual Farm”, a series of interconnected algorithms that predict net emissions from flows of carbon, nitrogen, and energy. The Virtual Farm would consist of three elements: descriptors, which characterize the farm; algorithms, which calculate emissions from components of the farm; and an integrator, which links the algorithms to each other and the descriptors, generating whole-farm estimates. Ideally, the Virtual Farm will be: boundary-explicit, with single farms as the fundamental unit; adaptable to diverse farm types; modular in design; simple and transparent; dependent on minimal, attainable inputs; internally consistent; compatible with models developed elsewhere; and dynamic (“seeing”into the past and the future). The Virtual Farm would be constructed via two parallel streams - measurement and modeling - conducted iteratively. The understanding built into the Virtual Farm may eventually be applied to issues beyond greenhouse gas mitigation. Key words: CO2, N2O, CH4, agroecosystems, models, climate change

HortScience ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 240-244 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Christopher Marble ◽  
Stephen A. Prior ◽  
G. Brett Runion ◽  
H. Allen Torbert ◽  
Charles H. Gilliam ◽  
...  

Over the past three decades, one issue that has received significant attention from the scientific community is climate change and the possible impacts on the global environment. Increased atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration along with other trace gases [i.e., methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O)] are widely believed to be the driving factors behind global warming. Much of the work on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and carbon (C) sequestration has been conducted in row crop and forest systems; however, virtually no work has focused on contributions from sectors of the specialty crop industry such as ornamental horticulture. Ornamental horticulture is an industry that impacts rural, suburban, and urban landscapes. Although this industry may have some negative impacts on the global environment (e.g., CO2 and trace gas efflux), it also has potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase C sequestration. The work described here outlines the causes and environmental impacts of climate change, the role of agriculture in reducing emissions and sequestering C, and potential areas in ornamental horticulture container-grown plant production in which practices could be altered to increase C sequestration and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.


2013 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen M. Ogle ◽  
Lydia Olander ◽  
Lini Wollenberg ◽  
Todd Rosenstock ◽  
Francesco Tubiello ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Schott

<p><b>Abstract </b></p> <p>While the pedagogical benefits of fieldtrips have long been recognised our ever increasing understanding of the impacts of flying on climate change is presenting educators with a poignant dilemma; the many benefits long associated with international fieldtrips are at odds with the world community’s needs in limiting/halting climatic change. In response, the paper presents the concept of a VR-based virtual fieldtrip as an innovative and carbon-sensitive type of (educational) travel. The paper not only makes the case for virtual fieldtrips as a meaningful learning tool but also explores both the virtual fieldtrip’s impact on Greenhouse Gas emissions and climate change-related learning. On both accounts the initial findings in this paper are very encouraging. More in-depth research is now required to not only develop a deeper understanding of the full breadth of benefits, but also of the diverse weaknesses presented by virtual fieldtrips and how to negotiate them.</p>


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 26-35
Author(s):  
Ayanda Pamella Deliwe ◽  
Shelley Beryl Beck ◽  
Elroy Eugene Smith

Objective – This paper sets out to assess perceptions of food retailers regarding climate change, greenhouse gas emission and sustainability in the Nelson Mandela Bay region of South Africa. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the food retailers’ greenhouse gas emissions strategies. Climate change catastrophic potential and the harmful effect that it has had on the community and businesses has led to it being given attention from social media and in literature. Methodology/Technique – This paper covered a literature review that provided the theoretical framework. The empirical study that was carried out included self-administered questionnaires which were distributed to 120 food retailers who were selected from the population using convenience sampling. Findings - The results revealed that most of the respondents were neutral towards the impact of operational factors regarding GHG emission in the food retail sector. Novelty - There is limited research that has been conducted among food retailers from the designated population. The study provided guidelines that will be of assistance to food retailers when dealing with climate change and greenhouse gas emissions impact in the food retail sector. Type of Paper: Empirical. JEL Classification: L66, Q54, Q59. Keywords: Climate Change; Food Retailers; Greenhouse Gas Emissions; Perceptions; Strategies; Sustainability Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Deliwe, A.P; Beck, S.B; Smith, E.E. (2021). Perceptions of Food Retailers Regarding Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Journal of Business and Economics Review, 5(4) 26–35. https://doi.org/10.35609/jber.2021.5.4(3)


2017 ◽  
pp. 78
Author(s):  
Harri Moora ◽  
Evelin Urbel-Piirsalu ◽  
Viktoria Voronova

Waste management has an influence on the greenhouse gas (GHG) formation. The emissions of greenhouse gases vary between the EU countries depending on waste treatment practices and other regional factors such us composition of waste. The aim of this paper was to examine, from a life-cycle perspective, Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) management in the context of greenhouse gas formation and to evaluate the possible reduction of climate change potential of alternative waste management options in Estonia. The paper summarises the results of a case study in Estonia, assessing the climate change impact by 2020 in terms of net greenhouse gas emissions from two possible management scenarios. As a result it can be concluded that better management of municipal waste and diversion of municipal waste away from landfills could significantly reduce the emissions of GHG and, if high rates of recycling and incineration with energy recovery are attained, the net greenhouse gas emissions may even become negative. It means that these waste management options can partly offset the emissions that occurred when the products were manufactured from virgin materials and energy was produced from fossil fuels. This is especially important concerning the climate change impact.


Author(s):  
B. R. Gurjar ◽  
C. S. P. Ojha ◽  
R. Y. Surampalli ◽  
P. P. Walvekar ◽  
V. Tyagi

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 ◽  
pp. 03001 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jasmin Irisha Jim Ilham ◽  
Norizan Esa

A crucial role in climate change adaptation is the one that should be played by cities. These are major contributors to climate change as well as most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. As urban population in cities increases, so does the greenhouse gas emissions. Urbanisation and the growth of cities continues at great speed, and today the global urban population has increased nine fold since 100 years ago. Though presented with current challenges and threats such as environmental degradation, urban poverty and food security, urban density could create a better quality of life and a lower carbon footprint by innovative approach and more efficient infrastructure planning. Creative solutions are implemented as part of the sustainability component of an integrated, climate resilient city, which comprises of fundamental aspects such as food, water, energy and transport. Application of local knowledge on agroforestry can be utilized in an urban setting, and has positive impacts on a microclimate scale, such as reduces impact of higher rainfall, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and reduces vulnerability on the urban poor. Urban agroforestry largely contributes to sustainable urban food production opportunities, and encompasses four main fields of practice, including agroecology, urban forestry, urban agriculture and permaculture. This paper examines the local knowledge of agroforestry and how the local knowledge can be transferred into practice in an urban setting, thus providing a sustainable approach towards climate change adaptation in cities.


2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rayishnee Pillay ◽  
Nishanee Rampersad ◽  
Rekha Hansraj

Background: Climate change is a global challenge requiring mitigation from all economic sectors. Although the consequences of climate change are well documented, there are limited studies regarding greenhouse gas emissions generated by the optometric industry.Aim: This study explored the greenhouse gas emissions created from the freight-related distribution of spectacle and contact lenses to South Africa (SA) in 2019.Setting: Spectacle and contact lens distributors in SA and an optometric courier service in KwaZulu-Natal.Methods: Data from a survey completed by lens suppliers and a courier service provider in SA were used in a standardised emissions calculations tool.Results: The results indicate significant greenhouse gas emissions generated from the distribution of lenses in SA, which is of concern for climate change alleviation goals.Conclusion: It is recommended that practitioners in the optometric industry, and other healthcare service providers, calculate their emissions data, modify practices to support climate change mitigation and be cognisant of the effect of their practices on the environment.


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