Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
1992 at Rio de Janeiro led to FCCC (Framework Convention on Climate
Change), which laid the framework for the eventual stabilization of green-
house gases in the atmosphere, recognizing the common but differenti-
ated responsibilities and respective capabilities, and social and economic
conditions. The Convention came into force in 1994. Subsequently, the
1997 Kyoto protocol, which came into force in 2005, reasserted the im-
portance of stabilizing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere
and adhering to sustainable development principles. The Protocol laid out
guidelines and rules regarding the extent to which a participating industri-
alized country should reduce its emissions of six greenhouse gases carbon
dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, chlorofluorocarbon, hydro fluorocarbons
and per fluorocarbons. It requires industrialized countries to reduce their
greenhouse gas emissions by a weighted average of 5.2%, based on the
1990 greenhouse gas emissions. The reduction is to be achieved by the
end of the five-year period, 2008 to 2012. The Kyoto Protocol does not
require the developing countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
Horticulture, in India with approximately 30% contribution in agricultural
GDP from only 8% of cultivated land is threatened with serious conse-
quences in production, quality and processing and increased cost of plant
protection.
Climate is a phenomenon, which is a truth, and it continues. The change
could be for betterment or it could have a disastrous impact. Technological
changes have provided immense comfort, and also caused the imbalances
in climatic parameters, threatening the sustainability. For the last one year,
various institutions, Government organizations and also the Indian Coun-
cil of Agricultural Research (ICAR) have been deliberating upon the likely
change in climate and its adverse impact on agriculture, and there have
been clear conclusion that climate is changing, which needs public inter-
vention and also preparedness to face the challenges.
13.2
WHAT IS CLIMATE CHANGE?
Climate change is a natural part of the Earth's dynamic system. However,
there is very strong evidence that human activity, particularly the emission
of greenhouse gases, is increasing the rate and degree of change. Climate
change in IPCC usage refers to a change in the state of the climate that
can be identified (e.g., using statistical tests) by changes in the mean and/
