Coping with Climate Change by Fostering Carbon Trading in Agroforestry Systems
摘要
Humanity’s future hangs in the balance as greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which drive climate change, continue to rise with no end in sight. Farmers face numerous challenges due to climate change, including reduced yields, increased production risks, and income instability. One coping strategy to mitigate the negative effects of climate change on both society and the environment is fostering carbon (C) trading in agroforestry systems (AFS). Adopting agroforestry (AF) as a climate solution can significantly contribute to achieving net-zero C neutrality and addressing the climate crisis. AF enhances C sequestration (Cseq) compared to conventional agriculture by increasing overall vegetation cover and promoting long-term C storage in trees and soil. Fostering C trading in AFS allows farmers to generate income from C credit sales. In addition to Cseq, AF offers numerous co-benefits that can help farmers adapt to the climate crisis, including improved soil health, increased biodiversity, better water quality, and diverse revenue streams. However, widespread adoption of AF practices is necessary for a substantial impact on climate change mitigation. Policies and incentives that promote AF—such as financial support, technical assistance, and access to markets—can encourage its adoption across landscapes.