Instead of other levers on greenhouse gas emissions, mainly addressing dietary shifts, there may be more potential to lower emissions by change of land use in agricultural and forestry activities in three key tropical countries: India, Brazil and Indonesia, according to a new scientific analysis. Strategic adjustments to farm and forest management can deliver considerable climate gains, in addition to contributing to food security and livelihoods, researchers say. 

The study analysed land-use changes in the past and future climate in every country, which are all characterised by extensive agricultural areas and vulnerable forest systems. Most of the greenhouse gas emissions in these areas are generated from deforestation and degradation, as well as from poor management practices. As opposed to simple steps, limiting the consumption of certain foods, such as meat and dairy, has only a relatively limited effect on emissions in these national contexts. 

The study said that focusing on sustainable agriculture, land restoration, and the preservation of existing forests will decrease the amount of emissions more efficiently and comprehensively. In particular, avoiding encroaching on forests to become farming land, improving the productivity of already developed farms, and the promotion of reforestation efforts can help countries achieve both climate and development purposes. These also contribute to a rural economy which relies a lot on “ground” based livelihoods. 

This report notes that four opportunities for climate-smart land management exist in India – due to its diverse farming systems – in Brazil – due to its large tropical forests – in Indonesia – due to peatlands. It is likely that nations committed to an agriculture-and-forestry policy that also includes soil health and ecosystem restoration will achieve larger emission reduction than those that prioritise dietary transformations. 

In addition to sustainable diets, land use is a key measure of promoting consequences of human health and the environment; and this study underscores that land use can result in higher emissions reductions in the short- to medium-term within the tropical economies. Researchers, including co-authors of the report, impress upon the reader the importance of policy coherence in agriculture, forestry and climate in order to achieve these benefits. The results show how crucial place-based climate solution approaches are and how they must be driven by each country's geography, economic needs and culture. The Indian, Brazilian and Indonesian cases illustrate how the integration of strong land stewardship into a comprehensive policy process for climate planning allows for the implementation of low-carbon development pathways – in ways that are fair and efficient.