German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture | Source |
Climate change poses a significant threat to agriculture, impacting food security, soil health, water resources, and biodiversity. Effective climate action in agriculture is essential for ensuring future food supplies and mitigating climate change.
Germany’s Climate Targets: Germany aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 65% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, with a specific goal of lowering agricultural emissions to 56 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents. The 2030 Climate Action Programme and the Immediate Climate Action Programme for 2022 outline measures to meet these targets.
Key Measures
- Emission Reduction: Strategies include reducing nitrogen surpluses, increasing manure fermentation, expanding organic farming, and improving energy efficiency in agriculture.
- Carbon Sequestration: Efforts focus on preserving humus, conserving permanent grassland, protecting moorland, and sustainably managing forests.
- Funding and Support: An additional EUR 8 billion has been allocated, with EUR 480 million dedicated to agriculture and forestry. This funding supports measures like humus formation projects and peatland protection.
Sustainable Practices
- Forests and Soils: Forests and agricultural soils are crucial carbon sinks. Initiatives are in place to improve forest management and enhance soil carbon storage.
- Food Consumption: Sustainable consumption and reduced food waste are vital. The National Strategy for Food Waste Reduction aims to halve food waste by 2030, which could save six million tonnes of CO2 equivalents.