ABSTRACT
Most people paying attention to climate change have focused on greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the use of fossil fuels. Recently, more people are becoming aware that food production, in addition to its distribution, is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, particularly the practice of raising animals for food. Industrial agriculture requires substantial chemical inputs, particularly from synthetic fertilizers. The amount of nitrogen fertilizer now used is four times of what it was 50 years ago and this increase has a direct impact on climate change. Overall global food production is anticipated to remain relatively stable for at least the first half of the 21st century. In colder countries climate change may actually result in longer growing seasons and improved rainfall that could potentially increase crop yields. If agricultural production must be increased to address threats to food security, more thought must be given to how these increases can be made with the smallest possible climate and environmental impact.
