The UN Panel on Climate Change (Giec) meets in Geneva from 2 to 6 August to reflect on sustainable land management with the aim of feeding 10 billion people by 2050 , while preserving the planet.
A report will be released on Thursday, August 8th. This 1,200-page scientific analysis is the most complete on the subject so far. A summary version, approved by representatives of 196 States, will be sent to the public authorities to guide them in their future decisions.
At the same time part of the problem and the solution, agriculture is at the center of the problem. It is responsible for deforestation and biodiversity loss, accounts for one-quarter of greenhouse gas emissions and consumes three-quarters of the world's freshwater resources.
But the sector is also the first to bear the brunt of climate change, as the vagaries of the heat wave, hurricanes and floods have multiplied under the influence of warming. These are all phenomena that alter production, while it should triple to cover the nutritional needs of the world's population.
"Agriculture is the only profession that can significantly cool the climate," says Bruno Parmentier, economist, former director of the Angers Graduate School of Agriculture and consultant on agriculture and food issues, contacted by France 24.
To plow his field is to kill him
For that, it is necessary to pass without delay from a massively chemical and mechanical agriculture to an agro-ecological agriculture, adapted to the climate change. "We must start by stopping plowing, warns Bruno Parmentier.It is more harmful to the land than glyphosate. By plowing them, the fields harden and remain bare half of the year, mainly in the summer, thus reducing photosynthesis (carbon absorption).
The solution would then be to mix the cereals with legumes like lentils and peas to cover the field all year long. This has the effect of reducing the greenhouse effect and increasing the fertility of the field.
Unplowed land also allows earthworms to dig deeper galleries into the land to irrigate and store water in the soil. "Moving from plowman to worm farmer is a major cultural change," says Bruno Parmentier.
If this technique does not generate more gains, it allows farmers to save money (end of plowing, reduce the use of fertilizers and other chemicals) and to resist the climate (less watering in the summer and less flood in the fall). "About 500 000 farmers in France, about ten thousand opted for this agriculture resilience," says the economist.
But land management is not the only challenge. According to the National Institute of Agricultural Research (INRA), ruminant livestock represents 18% of greenhouse gases.
"Importing food by plane is crazy!"
To continue to turn the tide and cool the planet, the reduction of meat consumption is a major issue that will be addressed by the hundred scientists Giec, from 52 countries. "A vegetarian who drives a 4x4 produces less carbon than a carnivore by bike," says Bruno Parmentier.
For Mathieu Soulabaille, project manager at La Fabrique Ecologique, it will have to be reduced by at least half. Vegetable proteins should bring us "at least 60% of our needs, against 40% today."
Fruits and vegetables, but not at any price. Strawberries in winter? "Importing food by air is crazy," exclaims Bruno Parmentier, who recommends eating seasonal fruits and vegetables, preferably local. Our food choices have a butterfly effect on the population and the environment. "A mango imported by plane emits 60 times more C02 than a French apple", summarizes Mathieu Soulabaille.