American Agriculture, Water Resources, and Climate Change

This volume highlights new research on the interconnections between American agriculture, water resources, and climate change, examining climatic and geologic factors that affect the agricultural sector and highlighting historical and contemporary farmer responses to varying conditions and water availability. It identifies the potential effects of climate change on water supplies, access, agricultural practices, and profitability and analyzes technological, agronomic, management, and institutional adjustments to generate both social benefits and social costs.

Format: Hardback
Length: 424 pages
Publication date: 10 January 2024
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

Agriculture has played a pivotal role in the growth of the American economy, with water availability generally not being a significant constraint to agricultural productivity, except in certain regions of the western United States. However, the impact of climate change is increasingly becoming a concern for the agricultural sector, as it may lead to changes in water availability and other environmental factors that affect crop yields and profitability.

This volume aims to provide a comprehensive collection of the most advanced and authoritative research on the interconnections between American agriculture, water resources, and climate change. It examines the climatic and geologic factors that impact the agricultural sector, as well as the historical and contemporary responses of farmers to varying conditions and water availability. The book also identifies the potential effects of climate change on water supplies, access, agricultural practices, and profitability, and analyzes the technological, agronomic, management, and institutional adjustments that can be made to mitigate these impacts.

Adaptations such as the development of new crops, production practices, irrigation technologies, water conveyance infrastructure, fertilizer application, and increased use of groundwater are discussed in the volume. These adaptations can have both social benefits and social costs, which may be internalized with various institutional innovations. Drawing on both historical and present experiences, the book provides valuable insights into the economics of water supply in American agriculture as climate change unfolds.

The importance of agriculture in the American economy cannot be overstated. It accounts for a significant portion of the country's GDP, employs millions of people, and provides food and other agricultural products to a global population. As climate change poses new challenges to the agricultural sector, it is essential to invest in research and development to find sustainable solutions that will ensure the long-term viability of the industry.

One of the key challenges facing agriculture in the face of climate change is the increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and heat waves. These events can cause crop losses, reduce water availability, and increase the cost of production. To mitigate these impacts, farmers are implementing a range of adaptations, including the use of drought-resistant crops, precision irrigation, and crop insurance.

Another challenge is the changing water availability and quality. Climate change is leading to changes in precipitation patterns, which can lead to both droughts and floods in different regions. Additionally, water pollution and other environmental factors can degrade water quality, making it difficult for farmers to use for irrigation and other agricultural purposes.

To address these challenges, researchers are exploring a range of technological, agronomic, management, and institutional adjustments. For example, the development of new crops that are more resilient to extreme weather events, the use of precision irrigation technologies to optimize water use, and the implementation of sustainable farming practices that reduce the environmental impact of agriculture are all being explored.

In addition to these adaptations, policymakers and stakeholders need to work together to develop policies and programs that support the agricultural sector in the face of climate change. This may include investments in research and development, incentives for farmers to adopt sustainable practices, and policies that promote water conservation and management.

Overall, the interconnections between American agriculture, water resources, and climate change are complex and multifaceted. By investing in research and development, implementing sustainable practices, and developing policies that support the agricultural sector, we can mitigate the impacts of climate change and ensure the long-term viability of the industry.

Weight: 702g
Dimension: 163 x 237 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226830612