Agriculture releases greenhouse gases

Agriculture releases greenhouse gases

What is meant by greenhouse gases?

There is a natural greenhouse effect in the atmosphere that makes the climate so comfortable that plants, animals and humans can survive on earth. Human emissions of greenhouse gases contribute to enhancing the natural greenhouse effect, leading to a warmer climate. The most common greenhouse gases are water vapor and carbon dioxide naturally found in the earth’s atmosphere. Other greenhouse gases are methane, nitrous oxide, sulfur hexafluoride and fluorine compounds (hydrocarbons and hydrocarbons).

Our agriculture contributes to greenhouse gases

According to the climate report, emissions to the agricultural sector in 2016 were almost 7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (corresponding to 13 per cent of total emissions). These emissions are dominated by emissions of methane from animal digestion and nitrous oxide from agricultural land (see figure below). Emissions from the agricultural sector have decreased by 10 percent since 1990, mainly due to reduced animal husbandry (especially the number of dairy cows and pigs) and partly to reduced use of mineral fertilizers.

In the climate report, emissions from agricultural work machines and premises are reported under separate items. These emissions represent a total of just under 1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, and emissions have decreased by 25 percent since 1990. In addition to these emissions, agricultural land is estimated to be, on average, a source of carbon dioxide, with the largest source being mud soils, which are expected to emit just under 3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually.

In addition, emissions arising from productions of inputs used in agriculture (such as imported fodder, mineral fertilizers, cuttings and lime) are added. Emissions associated with the production of imported inputs (such as soy or mineral fertilizers) are not attributed to Sweden according to the climate report. The same applies to food imports where emissions are accrued to the country where the food is produced.

All in all, it can be said that agriculture accounts for a not insignificant part of our total greenhouse gas emissions. Reduced production nationally means a reduction in our reported greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture. Increased imports do not affect our emissions nationally but adversely affect the climate by increasing emissions in the exporting country.