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GREENHOUSE GAS AND AMMONIA EMISSION MITIGATION PRIORITIES FOR UK POLICY TARGETS |
Sarah BUCKINGHAM1( ), Cairistiona F. E. TOPP1, Pete SMITH2, Vera EORY1, David R. CHADWICK3, Christina K. BAXTER4, Joanna M. CLOY1, Shaun CONNOLLY5, Emily C. COOLEDGE3, Nicholas J. COWAN6, Julia DREWER6, Colm DUFFY7, Naomi J. FOX1, Asma JEBARI8, Becky JENKINS9, Dominika J. KROL10, Karina A. MARSDEN3, Graham A. MCAULIFFE8, Steven J. MORRISON11, Vincent O'FLAHERTY5, Rachael RAMSEY1, Karl G. RICHARDS10, Rainer ROEHE1, Jo SMITH2, Kate SMITH4, Taro TAKAHASHI8,12, Rachel E. THORMAN4, John WILLIAMS4, Jeremy WILTSHIRE9, Robert M. REES1 |
1. Scotland’s Rural College, Edinburgh, EH9 3JG, UK 2. Institute of Biological & Environmental Sciences, Aberdeen, AB24 3UU, UK 3. School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2DG, UK 4. Agricultural Development and Advisory Service (ADAS), Boxworth, Cambridge, CB23 4NN, UK 5. School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, University of Galway, H91 TK33, Ireland 6. Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Bush Estate, Midlothian, EH26 0QB, UK 7. The James Hutton Institute, Dundee, DD2 5DA, UK 8. Rothamsted Research, North Wyke, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 2SB, UK 9. Ricardo Energy & Environment, Harwell, Oxon, OX11 0QR, UK 10. Environment, Soils and Land Use Department, Teagasc, County Wexford, Y35 TC97, Ireland 11. Agri-food and Biosciences Institute, Hillsborough, County Down, BT26 6DR, UK 12. Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Somerset, BS40 5DU, UK |
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Abstract ● An expert survey highlighted the most effective strategies for GHG and ammonia mitigation. ● Interventions considered to have the highest mitigation potential are discussed. ● Experts agreed that no single mitigation measure can uniquely deliver GHG and ammonia mitigation. ● Experts noted a need for further investment in research, knowledge exchange, education and to develop implementation pathways. ● There is a need for more data to better quantify mitigation potentials and implement effective management strategies. Agriculture is essential for providing food and maintaining food security while concurrently delivering multiple other ecosystem services. However, agricultural systems are generally a net source of greenhouse gases and ammonia. They, therefore, need to substantively contribute to climate change mitigation and net zero ambitions. It is widely acknowledged that there is a need to further reduce and mitigate emissions across sectors, including agriculture to address the climate emergency and emissions gap. This discussion paper outlines a collation of opinions from a range of experts within agricultural research and advisory roles following a greenhouse gas and ammonia emission mitigation workshop held in the UK in March 2022. The meeting identified the top mitigation priorities within the UK’s agricultural sector to achieve reductions in greenhouse gases and ammonia that are compatible with policy targets. In addition, experts provided an overview of what they believe are the key knowledge gaps, future opportunities and co-benefits to mitigation practices as well as indicating the potential barriers to uptake for mitigation scenarios discussed.
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Keywords
agriculture
ammonia
greenhouse gas
mitigation
net zero
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Corresponding Author(s):
Sarah BUCKINGHAM
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About author: *These authors equally shared correspondence to this manuscript. |
Just Accepted Date: 04 April 2023
Online First Date: 06 May 2023
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