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Valeria Fontalvo R

Theresa Chormanski

EVR 1001

March 8, 2020

How We Use Land Contributes to Climate Change

According to scientist Cynthia Rosenzwieg and journalist Ira Flatow, excessive use of

fertilizers in agriculture, soil degradation and the use of previously forested land have made

agriculture one of the largest producers of greenhouse gases. Agriculture contributes to the

emission of three types of gases that participate in the greenhouse effect: carbon dioxide (CO2),

methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O); and the data speak of a contribution of approximately

11% on the global emissions of all human activities. Another of the impacts of agricultural

production is logging to create new land for both crops and grass (Rosenzweig).

CO2 is produced mainly in the use of agricultural machinery and also in obtaining

pesticides and chemical fertilizers, especially nitrogen. In order to obtain a ton of nitrogen

fertilizer, three tons of oil are needed (Rosenzweig). Another factor that has contributed greatly

to the increase in atmospheric CO2 levels is the massive felling of forests to put into operation

new farmland. Forests are carbon sinks, that is, trees absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and

transform it into wood. When a forest is cut down, or mostly burned, all the CO2 fixed in the

wood is released back into the atmosphere. The effect is twofold: on the one hand the previously

set CO2 is reissued and on the other large areas of CO2-consuming trees are lost (Flatow). Thus,

since 1850, a third of the increase in CO2 levels in the atmosphere is the responsibility of the

change in land use. According to Rosenzwieg “For every kilogram of beef 13 kilos of CO2

emissions are generated, while for every kilo of lamb, 17 kilos are emitted.”
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Methane is the third most important greenhouse gas in the atmosphere after water vapor

and CO2. However, its heating potential is higher than that of CO2 and contributes

approximately 15% to global warming. Agriculture is primarily responsible for the emission of

methane into the atmosphere, especially due to the intensive rearing of livestock and to a lesser

extent rice cultivation.

Nitrous oxide contributes 6% in the emission of greenhouse gases. “The real problem

with this gas is that its potential for heating the earth is far superior to that of CO2 and methane”

(Flatow). The emissions into the atmosphere of this gas come from natural processes, such as the

fixation of nitrogen in the soil by the bacteria associated with legumes, but also have an

anthropogenic origin (estimated at 41%), especially related to the processes of nitrogen fertilizer

either of chemical or organic origin and therefore linked to agricultural activity.

One way I can reduce my carbon footprint is to choose to consume local and seasonal

products. Being produced near the place where we live and in season less transportation has been

used for its production and distribution, until it reaches us. Imported products must be brought to

the place where we are, so they use more transportation, be it truck, ship or plane, which emits

more CO2. Simply, to reduce our carbon footprint taking care of water consumption we can use

the washing machine only if it is full, water the plants with water collected from the rain, and do

not leave taps open. Another way is to say no to single-use plastic. The production of plastic, as

well as the slow decomposition of this in the environment when it is thrown away without

recycling it, are processes that contaminate the planet in various ways. By minimizing its use, we

will not only reduce the carbon footprint, but also reduce the contamination of soil, water and

prevent the death of many animals and plants.

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The toxic algae blooms tainting waterways across Florida killing aquatic life, fouling the

air and devastating businesses that depend on tourism and healthy fisheries might be the most

visible problem afflicting our state’s environment, but sadly there are many others. Ron DeSantis

or any candidate for state or federal office who sincerely cares about Florida’s future must make

a commitment to tackle the array of threats confronting our state’s greatest asset. He could

introduce a bill that seeks to get the interagency group to take a specific look at the situation in

the Greater Everglades system, where both red tide and blue-green toxic algal outbreaks have

been particularly acute in recent seasons. It’s time we get a handle on this problem, which

cripples the Florida economy and threatens wildlife.

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Works cited

Rosenzwieg, Cynthia, and Ira Flatow. “How We Use Land Contributes To Climate

Change.” Science Friday, 23 Aug. 2019, www.sciencefriday.com/segments/ipcc-2019-

land-use-climate-change/.