Observed from several last years climate changes have huge influence on the life of millions of people on the whole Word. We are witnesses of extreme weather changes: gales, tornados, floods, long-lasting draughts. Agriculture and rural areas are the most dependent on weather and climate change, discipline of the economy. Temperature, water, light are the main growth factors for arable plants. Infestation of insects, animal diseases and, in some regions of the world, human diseases, are related to climate.
Preventing global warming is treated nowadays as one of the most important ecological and economical challenges of XXI century. Published in March 2007 IV IPPC Report unequivocally indicate that climate change has been caused by the human activity. Report’s authors warn that lack of activities preventing and adjusting economy to new climate conditions may have significant, negative consequences for several sectors: economy, environment and social issues.
Scientist dealing with this issue point several sectors, which activity is especially related with this problem. Beside, among others, fuel and energy, transport or insurance sectors, meaningful sensibility on climate change has agriculture sector as well as other activities realized in the countryside. For Poland it is especially important, as rural areas consist of 93,2 % of Poland’s territory and are inhabited by about 38% of the country’s population. Precipitate weather and climate changes having influence on rural areas and agriculture concern meaningful number of Poland’s citizens.
On one hand agriculture is susceptible on climate change, but on the other hand it offers significant possibilities in terms of climate protection. Usage of proper agricultural techniques allows for reduction of greenhouse gas emission as well as increase of carbon amount in the biomass and soil.
Taking the above into account Foundation for Development of Polish Agriculture, in the cooperation with the Chamber of Environmental Protection of Agriculture University in Warsaw, prepared the project "Climate change, agriculture and rural areas".
The goal of the project is to start up the public dialogue in the subject of climate change and agriculture and rural areas. The project will create a space for exchange of knowledge, promotion of the best solutions and information spread among various stakeholders such as: decision-makers, representatives of farmers, scientists, advisory services for farmers, agricultural producers, nature protection services, non-governmental organizations dealing with climate change and agriculture.
In frame of the project several activities were planned. One element of the project is a national conference "Climate change, agriculture and rural areas" organized in November 2007. The conference gained patronage of the Minister of Environment, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development as well as patronage of the British Embassy in Warsaw.
The conference raised wide interest among various stakeholders. About 150 people came to the conference. It was found as very informative, interesting and inspiring event. The conference allowed for exchange of experiences, as well as presentation of up-today knowledge in the subject of climate change and agriculture. In the discussion important issues appeared, which, in the opinion of participants, should be further developed in the future. The necessity of education and informative activities were underlined several times by the most of participants.
In the project informative internet web-site has been prepared and is being updated with the news in the subject of climate change and agriculture. As the outcome of the conference as well as great interest in the subject of climate change and its relations with agriculture, the publication dedicated to this issue, will be prepared.
Outcomes and conclusions of conference are available in Polish language.
The project is co-financed by the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management. The project is realized from September 2007 till the end of June 2008.
Acronimes
PROJECT PARTNER
of Environment
Protection
Agriculture University Warsaw
SPONSOR
Project co-financed by the
National Fund for Nature Protection and Water Management