Sequestration and reduction

Though the impacts of greenhouse gases on climate are subject to dispute, there is little debate about the fact that some atmospheric parameters that affect climate have changed in the past century. The concentration of carbon dioxide, methane and other greenhouse gases clearly has risen and ozone in the upper atmosphere has declined. The major source of these gases is from energy use and production. Agricultural activities contribute about 14 percent of the total rate of increase in greenhouse gases on a global basis. In terms of carbon dioxide and methane emissions the percent contribution by agriculture is larger than 14 percent. However, agriculture has the potential to reduce its emission rates without major societal costs and without a major negative impact on total food supply. More importantly, agriculture and biological systems should be able to play a major role in decreasing the concentration of carbon dioxide by increasing the sequestration of atmospheric carbon.