Farming for a Better Climate

Climate refers to the average weather experienced over a period of usually 30 years.  Natural events and human activity both impact on the world's weather.

Man influences climate by releasing greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide into the atmosphere.  These gases help to retain heat which is radiated from the earth's surface, warming the atmosphere and raising global temperatures.

An increase in these climate change gases has resulted in the earth becoming warmer - global warming - and has changed climate patterns.

Sea temperatures are increasing, causing polar ice caps to melt, Arctic ice flows to retreat and sea levels to rise.  Warmer oceans experience greater evaporation resulting in higher rainfall, which, together with rising sea levels contribute to coastal erosion and flooding.

Sea levels around the UK have risen by 10cms since 1900.  The average UK temperature has risen by 0.74°C in the last 100 years and is predicted to increase by a further 2.0°C to 4.0°C by 2080. In the UK, summers have become warmer and drier while winters have been milder and wetter. The frequency of flooding and storms has also increased.

Scottish farmers have experience of farming in difficult weather conditions and will quickly adapt their farming systems to address climate change.

Scientists warn that greenhouse gasses have caused Arctic ice to melt even faster than predicted.  If this trend is not stopped, we may have a virtually ice-free Arctic within 30 years.  Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary-General, Setpember 09.