Climate change webinar
NFU Scotland hosted a webinar on the Farming For 1.5°C Inquiry Report on Tuesday February 23.
The event involved the co-chairmen of the independent inquiry – Mike Robinson, chief executive officer of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society and former NFU Scotland president Nigel Miller. NFU Scotland president Martin Kennedy chaired the meeting.
The inquiry is looking to find consensus on the best way forward for Scottish agriculture to play its part in limiting global warming to 1.5°C. It is innovative in its make-up as it includes farmers, scientists, activists and environmental non-governmental organisations.
The inquiry’s interim report, published in November 2020, recognised that farming uniquely can improve its own performance by reducing emissions from agricultural activity and impact positively on wider societal emissions through good soil and land management, by locking up carbon in trees and soil and by supporting ecosystems.
It states that without the engagement of the agricultural community, with its ability to absorb emissions not just cut them, it will be impossible for Scotland to deliver against its targets. This engagement must have political and financial recognition.
The interim report, entitled A Transformational Pathway, includes 15 key recommendations available to read at: www.farming1point5.org/reports NFU Scotland president Martin Kennedy said: ‘The Farming for 1.5 °C independent inquiry, which draws on experience from a wide scientific, environmental, food and farming base, has mapped out a pathway for transformation that is underpinned by science and supported by a huge range of practical knowledge and expertise.
‘The report sets out principles that all sectors of Scottish agriculture need to adopt immediately to improve agricultural and carbon efficiency, better manage our soils and develop a new approach to sharing knowledge and technical support.
‘Importantly, it also acknowledges the role of Scottish Government in funding this transformation over a sustained period if we are to achieve our ambitious national climate change targets and reverse biodiversity loss.
‘The industry must be supported, guided by policy and equipped with science-led advice if we are to reduce emissions while continuing to produce high quality food and drink.
‘This inquiry will be hugely influential in setting that policy direction as its recommendations dovetail with the Scottish Government’s recently created climate change sector groups.