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Croplands Emit Gigatonnes of CO2: India Among Top 6
16 Feb
Summary
- Six countries, including India, produce 61% of croplands' greenhouse gas emissions.
- Rice cultivation alone is responsible for 43% of cropland emissions.
- Controlling emissions requires tailored strategies for specific crops and sources.
A significant study published in Nature Climate Change has identified six countries that collectively account for 61% of global greenhouse gas emissions originating from croplands. India is among these leading emitters. The research provides an unprecedentedly precise map of emission hotspots and potential mitigation pathways.
Cultivation of rice was found to be the largest single source, contributing 43% to cropland emissions. Alongside maize, oil palm, and wheat, these four crops are responsible for nearly three-quarters of the total. The study utilized ground sources and advanced models to map these emissions with high resolution, down to approximately 10 kilometers.
The findings indicate that emissions sources vary by crop. For instance, palm oil production is linked to drained peatlands, while rice paddies and synthetic fertilizers are major contributors in high-production areas. The six highest-emitting countries identified are China, Indonesia, India, the USA, Thailand, and Brazil.
Farmlands constitute 12% of global land use and contribute 25% to the agricultural sector's greenhouse gas output. The study's authors emphasize that emission reduction strategies must be customized. Suggestions include controlled rewetting of peatlands, modified management of flooded rice paddies, and optimized fertilizer use to significantly cut emissions in respective regions.
