"Agriculture is a sector that is highly vulnerable to climate change. This is why the Global Forum on Agricultural Research (GFAR) works to ensure that civil society is actively engaged in dialogues on climate change and agriculture," (The voice of civil society in climate smart agriculture).
Agriculture is not only a victim but also a contributor to climate change and in many regions, the first impacts of climate change can already be felt. Crops, grazing land, trees and livestock are inherently affected by climatic extremes, including too much or too little water, too high or too low temperatures and the length of the growing season.
Addressing agriculture’s need for adaptation and its vital role in achieving the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) goal of limiting global temperature rise to 2°C from pre-industrial levels is key to achieve food security.
GFAR endorses the Montpellier Panel and agrees that a sustainable climate future is not possible without recognising agriculture’s role in the adaptation and mitigation of climate change. For this, Agriculture for Impact has released the Montpellier Panel brief titled “Farmers on the Frontline: Six Recommendations for Addressing Agriculture in the UNFCCC Negotiations.” Click here to learn more about the six major elements of the negotiations.
Picture credit: © Aliyev Alexei Sergeevich/Corbis