The NFU says British farming is “vulnerable to climate change” following the IPCC’s latest landmark report warning of climate change’s worst effects.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change now estimates the world has 12 years to reduce carbon emissions to a level that would keep earth below 1.5 degrees of warming.
In its latest report, going over that figure could significantly increase the risk of more severe floods, droughts and poverty for millions of people.
Many have already said this year’s summer, which created drought conditions across much of Europe, damaging crops, is an indication of future weather patterns resulting from climate change.
NFU deputy president Guy Smith responded to the IPCC report stating “farmers are committed to playing their part” in staying below the 1.5 degrees ceiling.
“We are already starting to see the effects of global warming and this year’s extreme weather events have served to remind us how vulnerable farming is to a changing climate,” Smith said.
“The report by the IPCC emphasises the need for a joined-up approach to minimising the global temperature rise to 1.5C, and British farmers are committed to playing their part to reach this target.
“Around two fifths of farmers and growers have already diversified to produce clean, low-carbon renewable energy and many are taking measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“Farmers are focussed on improving agricultural productivity through better management of nutrients, livestock, energy and soil, and the NFU is working with its members to implement more efficient ways of producing food for the country.”
