Sustainable agriculture through environmental adaptation engineering for waste management

Abstract

Global climate change destabilizes ecosystems, weather, and human livelihoods. Because it uses the industrial farming model, agriculture generates 10% of the global greenhouse gas emissions. However, food production must increase by 70% by 2050; achieving this goal under the evolving and dynamic climate change and its impacts and repercussions is challenging. This review explores how environmental adaptation engineering can transform agriculture to a sustainable, resilient, low-carbon system that balances productivity with environmental stewardship, and describes policies and practices supporting this transformation. It uses a comprehensive bibliometric analysis, updated climate data (e.g., IPCC AR6), and an integrative literature review of agricultural practices, environmental engineering innovations, adaptive biotechnologies, socioeconomic aspects, community involvement, and policy implications. It introduces the novel ecological farm model that aligns climate resilience, resource efficiency, and circular economy principles. It innovatively bridges a gap in the literature by synthesizing advances in hydroponics, anaerobic digestion, and microalgae technologies as an integrated adaptation strategy to address agricultural vulnerabilities under climate change. It highlights the potential of these environmental engineering solutions to manage waste, reduce emissions, generate renewable biofuels, sequester and convert CO₂ into biomass, optimize water use, recover nutrients, enhance crop quality and yield, and restore the environment. We highlight how important community engagement, knowledge sharing, and capacity building are in adopting adaptation practices across diverse socioeconomic settings. By integrating these approaches, adaptation engineering can align agricultural productivity with ecological responsibility. The findings suggest that incorporating adaptive technologies in agriculture is crucial to mitigate climate impacts and build sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems, ensuring long-term environmental and societal well-being.