Addressing Climate Change Without Legislation - Volume 3: USDA

Abstract

The agricultural industry is currently the fifth largest source of greenhouse gases in the U.S., contributing over eight percent of national emissions in 2012. Reducing the industry’s greenhouse gas emissions will therefore be important to avoid significant temperature increases and other climatic changes in future years. The extent of future climate change can be further minimized by enhancing carbon sequestration on agricultural and forest lands. These lands currently absorb approximately thirteen percent of annual greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S., but have the capacity to absorb up to twenty five percent of annual emissions. As the federal agency overseeing the agricultural and forestry sectors, the U.S. Department of Agriculture can play an important role in mitigating climate change. The Department has already acted to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural activities and increase carbon sequestration on agricultural lands. However, its work is far from complete. This report identifies additional actions the Department can take, under existing law, to reduce emissions and increase sequestration.