As people whose profession relies on the land, Aussie farmers are more exposed than most to the risks of climate change.
That’s why the Australian red meat industry is participating in Climate Proofing Australia (CPA), an alliance which brings the farming, forestry and conservation sectors together to rise to the challenge of climate change in partnership, for the first time.
Up until now, these sectors have worked in an isolated manner on climate issues. Cross-sectoral collaboration will be crucial in advancing Australia’s climate change and emissions reduction policies, and meeting global emissions reduction commitments.
Opportunities ahead
In working to address climate change, CPA recognizes that the land has an enormous potential for carbon storage. We can substantively reduce the industry’s carbon footprint through carbon sequestration in vegetation and soils, using methodologies already approved, and additional ones under development. And these efforts can also increase the resilience of ecosystems and agriculture to climate change.
Carbon neutral by 2030
The industry’s involvement with CPA is part of our commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2030.
We know that this is an ambitious target that we won’t be able to reach alone. Since 2017, MLA has worked with Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) to identify ways to achieving carbon neutrality in our industry. Some of these methods include expanding the use of legumes and dung beetles in pastures, feed supplements, efficient feedlotting, and vegetation management.
We fund research into carbon neutrality, providing tools for farmers to implement sustainable practices across Australia. We now look forward to working beyond our industry with partners through the CPA.
More Information
- The Climate Proofing Australia alliance brings together organizations including Greening Australia, the Australian Forest Products Association and Farmers for Climate Action.
- Red Meat Industry’s Carbon Neutral 2030 ambition and other work to manage climate change risk at the Australian Beef Sustainability Framework.
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Article Date: 3rd February 2020
