Agriculture contributes to climate change primarily through practices that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. One significant factor is the use of synthetic fertilizers, which release nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas, when they break down in the soil. Livestock farming, particularly cows, produces methane during digestion and through manure decomposition. Both nitrous oxide and methane contribute to the warming of the Earth. Deforestation for agricultural expansion also plays a role, as trees act as carbon sinks, absorbing and storing carbon dioxide; their removal releases this stored carbon back into the atmosphere. Additionally, changes in land use and agricultural practices can lead to soil degradation, reducing its ability to sequester carbon. Addressing the impact of agriculture on climate change involves adopting sustainable farming practices, optimizing fertilizer use, and promoting reforestation efforts to mitigate these environmental challenges.
