Emissions Due To Agriculture

Generated Summary

This analytical brief from FAOSTAT examines global and regional trends in emissions due to agriculture, focusing on the period from 2000 to 2018. It utilizes data from the FAOSTAT Emissions database, providing a comprehensive picture of methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and removals from agriculture. The study investigates the contribution of various agricultural activities, including crop and livestock production, land use, and land-use change, to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The methodology involves assessing emissions data submitted by countries to FAO and applying the guidelines for national GHG inventories of the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 2006). The brief highlights key trends, such as changes in farm-gate emissions, land-use change emissions (particularly deforestation), and regional variations in agricultural emissions. It aims to provide insights into the main drivers and impacts of food and agriculture on atmospheric GHG concentrations, offering a basis for understanding the sector’s contribution to climate change and informing strategies for mitigation.

Key Findings & Statistics

• In 2018, global emissions due to agriculture were 9.3 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalents (CO2eq).
• Methane and nitrous oxide emissions from crop and livestock activities contributed 5.3 billion tonnes CO2eq in 2018, a 14 percent growth since 2000.
• Farm-gate emissions were dominated by livestock production processes, generating 3 billion tonnes CO2eq in 2018.
• Land use and land use change emissions were 4 billion tonnes CO2eq in 2018.
• Emissions from deforestation decreased globally by 20 percent since 2000.
• Emissions from drainage and fires of organic soils increased nearly 35 percent since 2000.
• In 2018, world total agriculture and related land use emissions reached 9.3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (Gt CO2 eq).
• Crop and livestock activities within the farm gate generated more than half of this total (5.3 Gt CO2 eq).
• Land use and land use change activities responsible for nearly 4 Gt CO2 eq.
• Emissions from crops and livestock activities were 14 percent larger in 2018 than in 2000.
• The combined farm gate and land emissions due to agriculture were about 4 percent lower in 2018 than in 2000.
• In 2018, agriculture and related land use emissions accounted for 17 percent of global GHG emissions from all sectors, down from the 24 percent in the 2000s.
• Crops and livestock, non-CO2 emissions totaled 5.3 Gt CO2eq in 2018.
• Livestock production contributed two-thirds of this total.
• CH4 emissions from enteric fermentation in digestive systems of ruminant livestock continued to be the single largest component of farm-gate emissions (2.1 Gt CO2eq).
• N2O emissions from livestock manure left on pastures and manure applications to cropland contributed an additional 1 Gt CO2eq in 2018.
• N2O emissions from synthetic fertilizers contributed 13 percent to the total (0.7 Gt CO2eq)
• CH4 emissions from rice cultivation another 10 percent (0.5 Gt CO2eq).
• In 2018, world-total land use and land use change emissions related to agriculture were nearly 4 Gt CO2 eq.
• Emissions from agricultural land use and land use change were about 3.9 Gt CO2 eq, or 21 percent less than in 2000 (5 Gt CO2 eq).
• In 2018, world total emissions from deforestation were 2.9 Gt CO2eq, down from 4.3 Gt CO2eq in 2000.
• Emissions from drainage and burning of peatlands were about 1 Gt CO2eq in 2018, nearly 35 percent higher than in 2000.
• Emissions from fires in humid tropical forests reached 0.2 Gt CO2eq in 2018, or 10 percent higher than in 2000.
• In Africa, emissions due to agriculture reached 2.2 Gt CO2eq in 2018, or 24 percent of world total agricultural emissions, up from 18 percent in 2000.
• Agriculture emissions decreased in South America by 10 percent in the period 2000–2010, and by an additional 36 percent up to 2018, to reach 1.9 Gt CO2eq in 2018.
• In 2018, emissions due to agriculture in Asia were 3.3 Gt CO2eq.
• In 2018, total agricultural emissions in Europe were 0.8 CO2eq, 8 percent less than in 2000.
• In 2018, total agricultural emissions in Oceania were 0.2 Gt CO2eq, roughly 30 percent less than in 2000.
• In 2018, crops and livestock production contributed two-thirds or more in North America (66 percent), Asia (69 percent), Europe (73 percent) and Oceania (80 percent).
• In 2018, India and China contributed about 650 Mt CO2eq annual emissions each.
• Brazil and the United States of America (USA) followed with 450 and 360 Mt CO2eq.
• Indonesia was the fifth largest emitter, with nearly 200 Mt CO2eq.
• In 2018, Indonesia was the first country by land use emissions related to agriculture, with nearly 730 Mt CO2eq.
• In 2018, emissions from energy consumed in agriculture were 0.9 Gt CO2eq, having increased by 23 percent since 2000.

Other Important Findings

• Methane and nitrous oxide emissions from crop and livestock activities contributed significantly to global agricultural emissions.
• Farm-gate emissions were predominantly from livestock production processes.
• Land use and land use change emissions were primarily due to deforestation.
• Emissions from drainage and fires of organic soils increased significantly.
• In Africa, farm-gate and land-related emissions increased over the 2000-2018 period.
• Emissions from crops and livestock activities kept growing over the entire 2000-2018 period.
• N2O emissions from synthetic fertilizers and crop residues incorporation had the largest relative growth over the study period.
• The growth in livestock numbers drove the increase in the emissions from manure and from enteric fermentation.
• Emissions from rice cultivation, manure management systems and from drained organic soils increased.
• Regional trends in emissions varied significantly from global trends.
• In Africa, emissions due to agriculture exhibited an upward trend during the 2000-2018 period.
• North America showed a decline in emissions in the first decade of 2000s, followed by a similar increase.
• Sharp decreases in emissions from deforestation were the main driver of these trends in South America.
• In Asia, the first decade of 2000s showed a decrease in emissions followed by an increase since 2010.
• Europe showed a decline in emissions during 2000–2010 and increased in the following decade.
• Oceania decreased steadily in agricultural land use emissions.
• Farm gate production and land use contributed differently to the emissions due to agriculture in the regions analyzed.
• The top ten emitters from agricultural production reflect countries with large agricultural area.
• The relative contribution of electricity to on-farm energy emissions has rapidly increased.

Limitations Noted in the Document

• The study’s focus is on overall trends for the period 2000-2018, with in-depth analysis of emissions and removals for specific areas like livestock, forests, and degradation of organic soils discussed elsewhere.
• The study relies on estimates produced over the period 1961-2018, using input crop and livestock data submitted by countries to FAO and applying the guidelines for national GHG inventories of the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 2006) for emission estimates.
• The study acknowledges that while agriculture is the largest driver of deforestation globally, important non-agricultural drivers may exist at regional and local levels, which could lead to an overestimate of the overall global total.
• The study does not consider all countries’ emissions estimates in FAOSTAT as anthropogenic, which could lead to some underestimation.

Conclusion

The FAOSTAT analytical brief underscores the significant and evolving role of agriculture in global greenhouse gas emissions. With 9.3 billion tonnes of CO2eq attributed to agriculture in 2018, the sector remains a major contributor to climate change. The data reveal complex dynamics, with methane and nitrous oxide emissions from crop and livestock activities and land-use changes being primary drivers. The increase in emissions from livestock, manure, and synthetic fertilizers further emphasizes the need for targeted mitigation strategies. Regional variations highlight diverse emission patterns; for instance, Africa’s increasing emissions contrast with declining trends in South America and Oceania, underscoring the importance of tailored approaches. The study’s findings emphasize the significance of deforestation, the impact of draining and burning of organic soils, and the growing role of on-farm energy consumption. The observed increase in emissions from deforestation and the contributions from various activities highlight the complexities involved. The variations among regions, with Europe, North America, and Oceania demonstrating decreases or stabilization, offer pathways to reduce emissions, which may require policy intervention, adoption of sustainable practices, and technological advancements. The FAOSTAT database provides a crucial foundation for monitoring progress and informing policy. The data on the contribution of countries such as India and China, and Indonesia and Brazil highlight where action is most needed. Addressing emissions from agriculture requires a multi-faceted approach, including sustainable land management, reduced deforestation, and improved agricultural practices.