Climate Change and both Agriculture and Aquaculture are in a mutualistic relationships where the progress of one will influence the fate of the other. In recent years, the United States has seen an increase in Wildfires and drought affecting dry areas. Climate Change exacerbates warm and dry conditions that serve as the perfect breeding ground for environmental disasters. Wildfires and droughts place immense pressure on farming businesses that rely on stable environmental conditions for their crops. Not only are the agricultural plots themselves harmed, but farmworkers are forced to do labor under insufferable heat which reduces productivity of farms. However, the climate crisis itself is not to take the blame for these unfavorable conditions. Global warming is largely caused by the emissions of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, and modern day agriculture is an assailant against our environment. Sustainable agriculture focuses on adopting more environmentally-friendly methods to power the farming industry such as solar and wind energy and the use of "green" resources such as green hydrogen. Humans must also stop taking advantage of the land used for farming and rethink our roles as consumers. The circumstances surrounding Agriculture today are largely a product of their own doing. This website will focus on how policy can be used to solidify the future of Agriculture through sustainability methods.
Similarly, changes in temperature and weather patterns and precipitation may be largely a result of climate change. These factors could cause damage or flooding to freshwater farms. More than 85% of the fish stocks in the world have been exploited to the fullest extent, and therefore it is not sustainable to continue using wild caught fish in the feeds for aquaculture. Therefore, industries are relying on plant sources more and more to feed the aquaculture populations. The effect of climate change on agriculture extends beyond just the land, it can also eventually effect aquaculture as well.
Similarly, changes in temperature and weather patterns and precipitation may be largely a result of climate change. These factors could cause damage or flooding to freshwater farms. More than 85% of the fish stocks in the world have been exploited to the fullest extent, and therefore it is not sustainable to continue using wild caught fish in the feeds for aquaculture. Therefore, industries are relying on plant sources more and more to feed the aquaculture populations. The effect of climate change on agriculture extends beyond just the land, it can also eventually effect aquaculture as well.
"Look after the land and the land will look after you, destroy the land and it will destroy you." - Aboriginal Proverb
What is Sustainable Agriculture?
Sustainable agriculture encompasses all facets of agriculture including economic, social, and environmental. For years we have abused our land from using chemical fertilizers and pesticides to destroying soil. In contrast sustainable agriculture strives to "maximize productivity and profit while minimizing environmental damage" through methods such as small scale farming, minimizing pollution, and promoting biodiversity.
https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/what-sustainable-agriculture
https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/what-sustainable-agriculture
What is Aquaculture?
Aquaculture is the farming of aquatic organisms specifically for human consumption. It is essential to practice methods such as aquaculture in order to prevent overfishing from the oceans. Much of the ocean's resources have already been depleted.
https://www.aquaculturealliance.org/blog/what-is-aquaculture-why-do-we-need-it/
https://www.aquaculturealliance.org/blog/what-is-aquaculture-why-do-we-need-it/