The role of agriculture and food systems in achieving net zero global GHG emissions

BY CHANNING ARNDT

The recently concluded COP26 climate negotiations in Glasgow had a clear topline goal: Secure global net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by midcentury. The phrase “net zero” recognizes that some sectors, such as building, industry, and aviation, are very likely to have positive emissions in 2050. To offset them, at least one other sector must have negative emissions. This is simple math, but we are not yet embracing its implications.