Regional variation in the potential to reach net zero emissions in global agriculture

Publication date: 17-09-2026
Extent: 36 pages

Contributions by: Gerard H. Ros and Wim De Vries, Wageningen University & Research, The Netherlands

Chapter synopsis:

Agriculture contributes 10–12% of direct anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions and up to 20–25% when land-use change is included. Key emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O) arise from soil organic matter decomposition, livestock enteric fermentation, rice cultivation, and nitrogen cycling in fertilized soils. Emission patterns vary widely across regions due to differences in climate, land use, and management. CO₂ emissions dominate in tropical regions due to deforestation, while CH₄ is prominent in Asia from rice and livestock, and N₂O prevails in intensive systems with high fertilizer inputs. Mitigation options include improving soil carbon storage, reducing emissions from peatlands, and enhancing nutrient and livestock management. These measures can reduce emissions up to 50% but depend on regional conditions and adoption. Balancing mitigation with food security and economic viability remains a key challenge under a changing climate.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2025.0169.19