The power of many: enhancing climate change mitigation through agricultural research networks (in times of pandemics)
Thuenen Institute / Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases (GRA) / University Potsdam
Time: Thursday, 21. January 2021, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. (CET), subsequent deep dive 6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Languages: English, German
Summary:
The response to Covid-19 shows how global research collaboration can accelerate science and action. The power of many is also needed to combat climate change in agriculture. It is a global and complex challenge that needs a global and multidisciplinary response.
The expert panel discussed challenges faced in different world regions and fields of research regarding mitigating agricultural greenhouse gases and provided best practice examples from research networks to tackle them. Challenges identified, among others, were: developing country-specific emission factors, maximizing soil carbon sequestration and reducing emissions from ruminants. Solutions included: regional research collaborations to improve ruminantsˇ diet quality and through strategic supplementation. By applying a standardized methodology worldwide it is possible to identify silvopastoral and similar systems as a sustainable grazing system which offers multiple wins. Cooperation between many partners enables knowledge transfer and validation of data to accelerate mitigation science.
Experts agreed on the relevance of transferring science into policy and practice. They highlighted the need for new research project designs, for instance, on-farm research projects or co-innovation projects where farmers are involved in the design of the research activity. Organized field days for relevant stakeholders and networks of best practice showcase farms can support this transformation and accelerate climate action.