About 85% of the world population has been impacted by climate change, and this is just the beginning, according to many scientists. Earth’s temperature has increased twice as much since 1981 as in the previous century.
Khory Hancock is an environmental scientist and expert who focuses on regenerative climate change solutions. He offers insights on positive efforts to reduce the effects of increasing carbon dioxide in the forests, soils, and ocean.
Fighting Global Warming With Sustainable Solutions on Land
Carbon farming took off globally in reaction to the Paris Climate Agreement and growing proof that continued global warming can have disastrous consequences. Carbon farming optimizes farm operations to increase the rate of CO2 removal from the atmosphere. This sustainable approach increases the amount of carbon stored in healthy soil and plant material. There are currently hundreds of Australian open farms following this methodology.
Participating farms rejuvenate the soil through processes such as regenerative grazing. Regenerative grazing manages livestock in a way that supports profitability, food system resilience, and human health, says Khory Hancock.
Controlling Wildfires Can Help Reduce Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide
Using North America as an example, wildfires on just one continent can result in 12 gigatons of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere. That makes it more important than ever to focus on meeting the maximum temperature increases set up in the Paris Agreement. Fire management practices can limit the burn area without harming force ecosystems that depend on wildfires to thrive.
The Oceans Are Earth’s Main Carbon Capture Solution
Blue carbon refers to carbon trapped in the ocean. In calculating the effect of carbon emissions, this massive supply of carbon is often ignored. Excessive carbon dioxide emissions from the ocean can significantly increase the average temperature on the planet, exacerbating climate change and hastening the climate tipping point. That could result in an existential threat to humanity and all species on Earth.
Seaweed has been fighting climate change for more than 500 million years, according to scientists. Seaweed farming produces edible, nutritious kelp and seaweed for human consumption. The industry also produces plants that play a big part in sustainably capturing blue carbon.
Australian Indigenous Principals Regarding Carbon Accounting
Australian indigenous peoples have embraced the idea of carbon accounting. By establishing carbon farms and supporting other agribusiness projects to reduce carbon emissions, indigenous peoples have done their part to fight climate change.
Using carbon credits frameworks to scientifically regulate and monitor regenerative carbon farming projects in Australia is key to not only slowing climate change but reversing it, according to Khory Hancock.
Social Benefits of Carbon Reducing Strategies
The move toward low carbon emissions has a variety of benefits, including
- Increased employment opportunities
- Improved agricultural productivity
- Improved nutrition in foods grown
- Social inclusion
- Positive climate action
- Improved accessibility
- Reduced air pollution
- Increased biodiversity and protection of native plant and animal species
Carbon farming, regenerative cattle grazing, seaweed farming, marine restoration, wildfire management, and other efforts related to sustainable living pose a viable alternative to living life on the brink and dimming the hopes of future generations.
About
Khory Hancock grew up on a 30,000-acre cattle property beside the Carnarvon Gorge National Park in Queensland, Australia. He is an environmental scientist who has dedicated his life to the education and implementation of climate change solutions.
