Net Zero, Food and Farming: Climate Change and the UK Agri-Food System

This book explores the implications of the UK's net zero transition for food and farming,including dietary change,afforestation,energy crops,and low-emission farming practices,and provides a historical perspective to understand how the agri-food system has evolved and how it can evolve further to support the transition.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 04 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The UK's food and farming sectors face significant challenges in the transition to a net-zero economy, which is essential to mitigate the catastrophic consequences of climate change. This book examines the implications of this transition for these sectors and explores strategies to manage them effectively.

The UK's agricultural sector has a long history of contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, primarily through livestock production and land use. However, the country also has significant potential to reduce its emissions through sustainable farming practices, such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and reduced tillage.

One of the key challenges in the transition to net zero is the need to shift towards a more plant-based diet. This will require significant changes in consumer behavior and food production, as well as investment in new infrastructure and technology. Food waste is another significant issue, with around a third of all food produced in the UK being wasted each year. This waste not only contributes to greenhouse gas emissions but also costs the economy billions of pounds.

Afforestation and energy crops are also important strategies in the transition to net zero. Afforestation can help to capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in trees and plants, while energy crops can be used to generate renewable energy. However, these strategies have their own challenges, such as the need for suitable land and the potential impact on biodiversity.

Low-emission farming practices, such as precision agriculture, organic farming, and agroforestry, are also important in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These practices can help to improve soil health, reduce water use, and reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

The book also explores the role of policymakers and the agriculture and food industry in the transition to net zero. It highlights the need for government policies and incentives to support sustainable farming practices, as well as the role of businesses in reducing their emissions and promoting sustainable food production.

In conclusion, the transition to a net-zero economy is essential to mitigate the catastrophic consequences of climate change. The UK's food and farming sectors face significant challenges, but there are strategies to manage them effectively. By shifting towards a more plant-based diet, reducing food waste, afforestation and energy crops, and implementing low-emission farming practices, the UK can achieve its net-zero targets and help to create a more sustainable and resilient food system.

This book will be essential reading for students and scholars of food, agriculture, and the environment, as well as policymakers and professionals involved in climate change policy and the agriculture and food industry.

Weight: 412g
Dimension: 154 x 234 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032235196